Friday, December 4, 2020

12/4/20 - Annual Notice of "Right to Know"


PUBLIC NOTICE 

ACCESSIBILITY OF SARA TITLE III HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE INFORMATION 


Section 324 of the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act, also known as SARA Title III (Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986, PL99-499) requires public notice at least once annually informing the public of the means to access information about extremely hazardous substances that are manufactured, stored, and used within their community. Follow-up emergency notices may subsequently be issued. Accordingly, information concerning LEPC meetings, SARA Title III hazardous materials planning which is included in our Scott County Emergency Operations Response Plan, materials safety data sheets (MSDS/SDS), hazardous chemical inventory forms, listing extremely hazardous substances manufactured, stored, or used within Scott County can be obtained during normal business hours by contacting Scott County Emergency Management at 620-874-8547, or via email at tstoecklein@scottcountyks.com.

Friday, November 20, 2020

11/18/20 - Governor Kelly Issues Executive Order #20-68

 For Immediate Release:

November 18, 2020

Contact:
Lauren Fitzgerald, Press Secretary
lauren.fitzgerald@ks.gov

Governor Laura Kelly Announces New Steps to Slow the Spread of COVID-19


TOPEKA-  Governor Laura Kelly today announced several new steps her administration is taking to combat the spike in COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths. The new plan includes a public health campaign, community engagement conversations and an executive order establishing a statewide face-covering protocol as part of her administrations all-of-the-above strategy to keep Kansans healthy, keep schools and businesses open, and protect Kansas economy.

“As COVID-19 continues to spread through Kansas communities and hospitalizations increase at concerning rates, it is clear we must take action to protect our communities and our economy”, Governor Laura Kelly said. “Today’s actions are a bipartisan package of recommendations from legislators, health professionals, and business leaders to increase participation in commonsense COVID-19 prevention practices.”

E.O. #20-68 takes effect beginning 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, November 25, and will remain in place until rescinded or until the current statewide State of Disaster Emergency expires whichever is earlier.

“My administration recognizes that each Kansas county is faced with unique challenges and a one-size-fits-all approach can be difficult for some communities to navigate”, Governor Kelly said. “The order allows local officials one week to craft and implement their own version of a face covering ordinance that works for them and their communities.”

Under the order, Kansans shall wear face coverings when inside public spaces, or in situations where physical distancing of 6 feet cannot be maintained. Guidance regarding specific locations or situations in which face coverings should be worn is outlined within the order.

Kansans under five years of age, those with medical conditions, and others outlined in the order are exempt from face covering protocol.

View E.O. #20-68 here:
https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/EO-20-68-Face-Coverings-protocol-Executed-1.pdf

In addition to the face-covering protocol, the Kelly administration is partnering with The Leadership Center to mobilize its alumni base, which is nearly 12,000 strong, to mobilize and lead virtual non-partisan convenings across Kansas beginning the week of November 17 and concluding by late December. The project will dramatically increase the number of local leaders, pastors, coaches, neighborhood leaders, business owners, community officials, and others to use their influence to combat the virus.

This week, Governor Kelly also approved CARES Act funding to assist a coalition of stakeholders including the Kansas Hospital Association, Kansas Chamber of Commerce, Kansas Farm Bureau, and others, to create a statewide public health campaign to begin next week. The campaign will encourage Kansans to follow the best practices, encourage voluntary testing, avoid mass gatherings, and use face-coverings.


Tuesday, November 17, 2020

11/17/20 - KDHE Amends Travel Quarantine List

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment updated their travel quarantine list today, see the information release below: 


For Immediate Release

November 17, 2020

 

KDHE amends travel quarantine list

States, countries removed

 

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has removed two states and three countries from its travel quarantine list: North Dakota, South Dakota, Andorra, Belgium and Czechia. Those who have travelled during the below dates, as well as those who have been on a cruise or attended any out-of-state mass gatherings with 500 or more where individuals do not socially distance and wear masks, will need to quarantine.

 

This list is effective for all persons returning to or entering Kansas on the effective dates.

 

                      Traveled to or from South Dakota between November 4 – November 17.

                      Traveled to or from Belgium and Czechia between November 4 – November 17.

                      Traveled to or from North Dakota between October 21 – November 17.

                      Traveled to or from the country of Andorra between October 21 – November 17.

                      Attendance at any out-of-state mass gatherings of 500 or more where individuals do not socially distance (6 feet) and wear a mask.

                      Been on a cruise ship or river cruise on or after March 15.

 

“The removal of states from our list isn’t cause for celebration,” said Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary. “We base our list on new case rates by population size and unfortunately, Kansas’ numbers are increasing significantly. Practice social distancing, wear a mask, stay home if you’re sick, and avoid large gatherings. Each one of us is responsible for our actions.”

 

Mass gatherings are defined as any event or convening that brings together 500 or more persons in a single room or space at the same time such as an auditorium, stadium, arena, large conference room, meeting hall, theater or any other confined indoor or outdoor space. This includes parades, fairs and festivals. Mass gatherings does not include normal operations of airports, bus and train stations, medical facilities, libraries, shopping malls and centers, or other spaces where 500 or more persons may be in transit. It also does not include typical office environments, schools, restaurants, factories or retail/grocery stores where large numbers of people are present, but it is unusual for them to be within 6 feet of one another for more than 10 minutes.

 

For more information on COVID-19, please visit the KDHE website at: www.kdhe.ks.gov/coronavirus


Thursday, November 5, 2020

11/4/20 - KDHE Amends Travel Quarantine List

 

For Immediate Release

November 4, 2020

 

KDHE amends travel quarantine list

South Dakota added

 

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has amended its travel quarantine list to include those who have traveled to South Dakota and the countries of Belgium and Czechia beginning today, November 4. North Dakota and the country of Andorra remain on the list as does attendance at out-of-state mass gatherings with 500 or more where individuals do not socially distance and wear masks.

 

Kansas evaluates the previous two week’s case rates by 100,000 population for states and countries. Locations with significantly higher rates – approximately 3x higher than Kansas – are added to the list. North Dakota has a two-week case rate 3.6 times higher than Kansas while South Dakota’s rate is 3.2 times Kansas. 

 

This list is effective for all persons returning to or entering Kansas on the effective dates. A comprehensive list of those individuals needing to quarantine for 14 days includes visitors and Kansans who have:

 

  • Travel to or from South Dakota on or after November 4.
  • Travel to or from Belgium and Czechia on or after November 4.
  • Travel to or from North Dakota on or after October 21.
  • Travel to or from the country of Andorra on or after October 21.
  • Attendance at any out-of-state mass gatherings of 500 or more where individuals do not socially distance (6 feet)and wear a mask.
  • Been on a cruise ship or river cruise on or after March 15.

 

Travel quarantines do not prohibit travel through Kansas. People from these locations may still travel through Kansas. If this is done, KDHE recommends limited stops, wearing a mask at rest stops or when getting gas and being 6’ from others when doing so. If the destination is Kansas, they would be required to quarantine upon arrival to their destination.

 

Mass gatherings are defined as any event or convening that brings together 500 or more persons in a single room or space at the same time such as an auditorium, stadium, arena, large conference room, meeting hall, theater or any other confined indoor or outdoor space. This includes parades, fairs and festivals. Mass gatherings does not include normal operations of airports, bus and train stations, medical facilities, libraries, shopping malls and centers, or other spaces where 500 or more persons may be in transit. It also does not include typical office environments, schools, restaurants, factories or retail/grocery stores where large numbers of people are present, but it is unusual for them to be within 6 feet of one another for more than 10 minutes.

 

Critical infrastructure sector employees who have travelled to these destinations should contact their local health department regarding instructions for application of these quarantine orders while working. Critical infrastructure employees, such as public health, law enforcement, food supply, etc., need to have the staffing resources to continue serving Kansans so the local health department may allow a modified quarantine. Please note the only exemption for these quarantine mandates for critical infrastructure sector

employees is work – they are not to go any other locations outside of work.

 

For more information on COVID-19, please visit the KDHE website at www.kdhe.ks.gov/coronavirus

Thursday, September 10, 2020

9/10/20 - Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Program For Kansas Businesses

 For Immediate Release:  

September 9, 2020 

 

Contact: 

Lauren Fitzgerald, Press Secretary  

Lauren.Fitzgerald@ks.gov < Caution-mailto:Lauren.Fitzgerald@ks.gov >   

 

Governor Laura Kelly Announces Personal Protective Equipment Program for Kansas Businesses

 

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that the Kansas Division of Emergency Management (KDEM) has launched a new Business PPE Stopgap program, which provides personal protective equipment (PPE) to businesses experiencing delays in purchased equipment.

 

“Businesses in our state have experienced immense challenges since the COVID-19 pandemic began, and they need our support,” Governor Kelly said. “By making sure Kansas business owners have access to the necessary protective equipment when they need it, they can not only protect their employees and customers but also make sure they can stay open for business.” 

 

Businesses that have ordered PPE but are experiencing a backorder or delayed delivery date on their purchase may access this program and expect delivery of items, if available, within a few days. The PPE will be shipped from the state inventory at no cost to eligible businesses. Items that are supported through this program are masks and face shields, with gowns and coveralls available to health care-related businesses.

 

“Recognizing the existing challenges of businesses to remain open and serve their customers as well as the likelihood of continued acquisition difficulties, the State of Kansas created this temporary program to ensure Kansas businesses have the PPE needed to continue operating safely,” Angee Morgan, deputy director of KDEM, said. “This program is designed to provide relief to businesses needing immediate access to PPE in an effort to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.”

 

Requirements include being in good standing with the Kansas Department of Revenue and proof of the PPE backorder or delayed delivery.

 

To access the program and for additional information, visit kdem.kansasgis.org/businessPPE 

9/10/20 - KDHE Amends Travel Quarantine List

 

For Immediate Release

September 10, 2020

 

KDHE amends travel quarantine list

 

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has amended its travel quarantine list to no longer include travel to Aruba and to also remove mandatory quarantine following attendance at out-of-state mass gatherings of 500 or more provided people wear masks and maintain social distancing (6 feet). Those who do not wear masks or who do not maintain social distancing, as well as anyone notified by public health they are a close contact, still are mandated to quarantine.

 

“We do not recommend attendance at any type of mass gathering event but recognize that some larger events may take appropriate precautions,” Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary, said. “If choosing to attend, people must practice social distancing and wear masks.”

 

Mass gatherings are defined as any event or convening that brings together 500 or more persons in a single room or space at the same time such as an auditorium, stadium, arena, large conference room, meeting hall, theater or any other confined indoor or outdoor space. This includes parades, fairs and festivals. Mass gatherings does not include normal operations of airports, bus and train stations, medical facilities, libraries, shopping malls and centers, or other spaces where 500 or more persons may be in transit. It also does not include typical office environments, schools, restaurants, factories or retail/grocery stores where large numbers of people are present, but it is unusual for them to be within 6 feet of one another for more than 10 minutes.

 

A comprehensive list of those individuals needing to quarantine for 14 days includes visitors and Kansans who have:

 

Wednesday, August 26, 2020

8/26/20 - First Fatality Related to COVID-19 Identified in Scott County

 

Scott County Health Department

 

NEWS RELEASE                                                                                              Contact: Edith Tarango

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                           County Health Officer

Date:    August 26th, 2020                                                                                          Phone: 620-872-5774

             

First Fatality of Coronavirus (COVID-19) Identified in Scott County

Scott County, Kansas– On Tuesday August 25th, 2020 the Scott County Health Department received confirmation of the first known death related to COVID-19 in Scott County. The Scott County resident was a male in his early 70’s with underlying conditions.

The Scott County Health Department staff sends their deepest condolences to the family in this difficult time. To protect the most vulnerable in our community please practice social distancing, wash your hands, and wear a face mask. 

At the time of this release, Scott County has recorded 90 total positive COVID-19 cases.

If you are experiencing symptoms such as a fever, cough or difficulty breathing, call your healthcare provider immediately. Do no visit in-person prior to receiving confirmation from that healthcare provider. Please adhere to the following recommendations:

·       Wear a face mask in public places

·       Avoid non-essential travel.

·       Follow all recommendations regarding self-quarantine

·       Avoid large gatherings

·       If you do need to go out in public, ensure you maintain six feet distance from other people, and wear a facemask.

The Scott County Health Department has worked closely on these decisions with numerous community partners, including Scott County Government, The City of Scott City, Scott County Emergency Management, Hospital, School District, and other local partners.

Scott County residents can stay informed by visiting the Scott County Health Department’s Facebook Page, www.scottcoemergency.com, www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus or http://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.

For general information, contact the KDHE phone bank at 1-866-534-3463 (1-866-KDHEINF) or email COVID-19@ks.gov . You may also contact the Scott County Health Department information line at 620-872-5774 or email covid.questions@attt.net.

Tuesday, August 18, 2020

8/17/20 - Governor Kelly Announces Executive Orders Temporarily Prohibiting Evictions and Foreclosures, Extends Motor Carrier Relief

 

Governor Kelly Announces Executive Orders Temporarily Prohibiting Evictions and Foreclosures, Extending Motor Carrier Relief 

 

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today signed Executive Orders #20-61 and #20-62 as part of her administration’s commitment to protecting Kansans’ health and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Executive Order #20-61 temporarily prohibits initiating any mortgage foreclosure or judicial proceedings, and any commercial or residential eviction efforts or judicial proceedings due to financial hardship resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic until September 15, 2020.

 

“COVID-19 remains a threat in our communities and is creating challenges for businesses and employees alike,”Governor Kelly said. “Kansas families who miss mortgage or rent payments due to lost wages will need our support until the Senate extends unemployment assistance. I will continue to do everything I can to make sure the people in our state can stay in their homes and protect their businesses.”

 

Executive Order #20-62 extends temporary relief for motor carriers from certain rules and regulations until rescinded, until September 14, 2020, or until the statewide State of Disaster Emergency expires, whichever is earlier. It is an extension of measures put in place by Executive Order #20-57.

 

“This order will allow our motor carriers to continue delivering much-needed supplies to Kansans who need them, and ease the burden on those who have a critical role in our state’s response to COVID-19,”Governor Kelly said.

 

The order lifts certain weight restrictions and permitting requirements to allow needed medical supplies, food shipments and other items to move through Kansas as quickly as possible. These exceptions apply only to motor carriers actively participating in COVID-19 response effort. 

 

To view E.O. #20-61, click here < Caution-https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fgovernor.kansas.gov%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F08%2FEO-20-61-Reissued-Evictions-and-Foreclosures-Executed.pdf&data=02%7C01%7C%7C42e4cc9665ba49a9fe6a08d842f9ab9e%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637332987379042345&sdata=1TSqwDbrwKUy8XNP%2FCsHtDWP10xAZaBB6j5GHxddc0g%3D&reserved=0 > .

 

To view E.O. #20-62, click here. < Caution-https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fgovernor.kansas.gov%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F08%2FEO-20-62-Motor-Carriers-Executed.pdf&data=02%7C01%7C%7C42e4cc9665ba49a9fe6a08d842f9ab9e%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637332987379052340&sdata=iYBgEPOrq2JNQaZtuf7QTeHqklKftDaip2flwrWgJZA%3D&reserved=0 > 

Tuesday, August 11, 2020

8/11/20 - KDHE Amends Travel Quarantine List

 

For Immediate Release

August 11, 2020

 

KDHE amends travel quarantine list

Florida removed; mass gatherings greater than 500 added

 

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has amended its travel quarantine list, removing the state of Florida and adding attendance at mass gatherings greater than 500 people. Additionally, those countries with a CDC Level 3 Travel Health Notice with restrictions remain.

 

This list is effective for all persons returning to or entering Kansas on the effective dates. The state will review/update this list every two weeks. A comprehensive list of those individuals needing to quarantine for 14 days includes visitors and Kansans who have:

 

 

Others needing to continue quarantining:

  • Anyone subject to a travel-related quarantine for a state or country previously on the travel-related quarantine list must complete their 14-day quarantine period.
  • Received notification from public health officials (state or local) that you are a close contact of a laboratory-confirmed case of COVID-19.

 

Travel quarantines do not prohibit travel through Kansas. People from these locations may still travel through Kansas. If this is done, KDHE recommends limited stops, wearing a mask at rest stops or when getting gas and being 6’ from others when doing so. If the destination is Kansas, they would be required to quarantine upon arrival to their destination.

 

Critical infrastructure sector employees who have travelled to these destinations should contact their local health department regarding instructions for application of these quarantine orders while working. Critical infrastructure employees, such as public health, law enforcement, food supply, etc., need to have the staffing resources to continue serving Kansans so the local health department may allow a modified quarantine. Please note the only exemption for these quarantine mandates for critical infrastructure sector employees is work – they are not to go any other locations outside of work.

Monday, August 10, 2020

8/10/20 - County Resolution 2020-16 Face Covering Required

At a special meeting of the Board of County Commissioners on Thursday, August 6th it was decided, with a 3-0 vote, to repeal the previous county resolution to opt-out of the Governor's Executive Order 20-52 requiring face coverings in public settings. County Resolution 2020-16 was signed at this morning's regularly scheduled meeting, requiring face coverings (masks) in venues where social distancing of six feet cannot be maintained for less than ten minutes. This includes both indoor and outdoor venues.



Wednesday, June 17, 2020

6/17/20 - Latest Update To The Reopening Plan For Scott County

Below is the latest information regarding the reopening plan for Scott County following the regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of County Commissioners yesterday. While mass gathering requirements have been lifted, we still encourage folks to take personal responsibility to social distance when possible, wear masks when applicable, and continue practicing good hygiene. Additionally, all KDHE travel restrictions remain in place, and can be found at https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/175/Travel-Exposure-Related-Isolation-Quaran


Wednesday, June 3, 2020

6/2/20 - Updated Scott County Plan For Reopening

Please see the information below for the latest updates regarding the Scott County reopening plan, particularly with regard to mass gathering numbers and the dates for each phase moving forward.
We want to continue to urge folks to social distance, practice good hygiene, wear masks when appropriate, and help us ensure we can continue through these phases without interruption. It's up to each of us to do our part for our safety, and for the safety of our greater community.

Thursday, May 28, 2020

5/27/2020 - Board of County Commissioners Approve Reopening Plan

Below is the information that resulted from the special BOCC meeting held on May 27, 2020 regarding the reopening plan for Scott County. We are currently following the guidance in Phase Two of the Ad Astra Reopening Plan, with Phase Three set to begin on June 8th. The county will continue to review the plan throughout each phase to determine if we need to change course in any way.




Wednesday, May 27, 2020

5/26/20 - Governor Signs Disaster Declaration

For Immediate Release: May 26, 2020
Contact:
Lauren Fitzgerald, Press Secretary
785.581.4730
lauren.fitzgerald@ks.gov


Governor signs disaster declaration, calls for special session, warns of grave consequences to state without legislative action
Encourages Legislature to do what’s right to protect Kansans

TOPEKA – Today Governor Laura Kelly announced a series of actions her administration is taking to respond to the emergency situation COVID-19 currently presents to the economy and to public safety.

1. After careful review, Kelly has vetoed House Bill 2054. This sweeping, hastily crafted legislation pushed through the Kansas Legislature last week includes provisions that will damage Kansas’ ability to respond to COVID-19 and all future disasters. The bill also weakens local county health officer authorities and adds unnecessary layers of bureaucracy to their emergency response efforts.

2. Kelly has signed a new state disaster declaration to ensure that Kansas can effectively respond to the current emergency situation, which includes an unprecedented economic emergency and the imminent threat of new outbreaks of COVID-19, specifically regarding food supply. This will also ensure the state can continue its coordinated response with federal and state partners.

3. Kelly has called a special session starting June 3.She has asked the Legislature to put politics aside, work with her, and deliver an emergency management bill that has been vetted, debated, is transparent and addresses the need to keep Kansans safe and healthy.

“As I’ve said from day one, the safety and well-being of Kansans is my number one priority. What the Legislature sent to my desk does not protect Kansans. It does not help Kansans. It
puts their lives at risk,” Kelly said. “I’m calling on the Legislature to come back and put a
carefully crafted, bipartisan bill on my desk that will provide the resources Kansans need, in
a timely manner. We must stop putting Kansans at risk.”

The new state disaster declaration addressing the current emergency enables Kansas to
provide the following services through the Kansas Division of Emergency Management,
the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, the Kansas National Guard and the
federal government:

• Allows National Guard members supporting numerous field missions throughout the
state to serve communities in response to the disaster and threat. To date, a total of
678 National Guard personnel are supporting these missions.

• Allows KDEM and National Guard to provide vital food support to communities
and protect against threat of food supply shortages. Guard members have packed
more than two million meals which are being distributed to food banks across
Kansas.

• Allows KDEM and National Guard to swiftly provide medical and non-medical
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to hospitals, first responders and many more
to combat the imminent threat of COVID-19 surges. To date, over 7,000 cases of
PPE have been delivered across the state, which includes 3.2 million individual
pieces of PPE. More will be needed to address the imminent threat of new outbreaks.

• Allows KDEM to assist the Kansas Department of Corrections to provide support
personnel – including medical and food preparation personnel.

• Allows KDEM to make deliveries of Remdesivir to counties across Kansas. So far,
KDEM, along with their state agency partners which include the Kansas National
Guard, Kansas Highway Patrol and Civil Air Patrol, have made 26 deliveries of
Remdesivir to 10 counties. Remdesivir is delivered to hospitals to treat critical
patients, and this service is potentially life-saving for those patients. KDEM makes
these deliveries immediately when needed for patients throughout the state.

• Allows KDEM to continue providing non-congregate shelter for positive and
exposed persons who are essential workers. There are currently 50 contracts related
to non-congregate sheltering needed for the present disaster. Continuing to provide
this support will mitigate the threat to the food supply and the threat of surges in
COVID-19 infections.

• Allows medical workers and first responders to rely on the Battelle Critical Care
Decontamination System to decontaminate their PPE. This system is provided by
FEMA and continuing to provide this service will mitigate the threat of surges in
COVID-19 infections.

• Allows KDEM to manage donations and warehouse space necessary to store PPE.
This storage is necessary due to the threat of new COVID-19 outbreaks as statewide
restrictions are lifted and the economy reopens.

• Allows KDHE to provide community-based testing under the State Emergency
Response Plan. Increased testing will help the state mitigate the threat of, or respond
to, future outbreaks and allows businesses, employees, and customers to resume
economic activity with increased confident that outbreaks will be prevented or
mitigated.

• Allows KDEM to continue transporting testing samples. KDEM has transported
over 1,000 samples to state labs since April 29, 2020. By transporting the tests via
KDEM couriers, the tests arrive at the lab the same date they are collected, and
results are provided the following day. Without this same-day service, the results of
the tests will be delayed and the ability to contact-trace will be severely limited,
risking additional illness and death as well as economic insecurity.

• Allows KDEM to provide translation support. Currently, KDEM is providing 16
translators to support contact-tracing operations to mitigate the current and
imminent threat of a new COVID-19 outbreak.

• Allows the Civil Air Patrol to continue to provide needed emergency transportation.

If the state disaster declaration is not extended by the Legislature within 15 days, the
following significant problems will likely occur:

• Possible closure of meat processing plants;

• Inability to assist hog farmers with the euthanasia and disposal of excess
hogs;

• The loss of unemployment benefits;

• Significant delay and possible frustration entirely of the economic
recovery of the State;

• Reduced PPE inventory for healthcare workers and first responders;

• KDEM would be unable to receive, sort, package, and transport PPE and
other commodities to health care workers and first responders;

• Food shortage and an inability of state agencies to provide the various
food programs needed to assist Kansans;

• Reduced testing and a lack of timely test results;

• Inability to conduct contact-tracing missions;

• Increased outbreaks of COVID-19 in the prison population;

• Increased outbreaks of COVID-19 in nursing homes;

• Inability to service or transport ventilators or anesthesia machines;

• Inability to coordinate mission assignments or take emergency actions
necessary to deal with issues related to the current disaster;

• No immunity for state employees or volunteers providing vital services;

• Inability to initiate and maintain the Kansas Response Plan; and

• Increased costs to the State of Kansas as a result of losing federal funding.

Under the new disaster declaration, the operative provisions of the following Executive
Orders will be reissued:
• 20-08: Temporarily expanding telemedicine and addressing certain licensing
requirements to combat the effects of COVID-19
• 20-12: Driver’s license and vehicle registration and regulation during public health
emergency
• 20-13: Allowing certain deferred tax deadlines and payments during the COVID-19
pandemic
• 20-17: Temporary relief from certain unemployment insurance requirements in
response to the COVID-19 pandemic
• 20-19: Extending professional and occupational licenses during the COVID-19
pandemic
• 20-20: Temporarily allowing notaries and witnesses to act via audio-video
communication technology
• 20-23: Licensure, Certification, and Registration for persons and Licensure of “Adult
Care Homes” during public health emergency
• 20-27: Temporarily suspending certain rules relating to sale of alcoholic beverages
• 20-32: Temporary relief from certain restrictions concerning shared work programs
• 20-33: Extending conditional and temporary relief from certain motor carrier rules
and regulations in response to COVID-19

5/27/20 - Board of County Commissioners Extend The Local Public Health Emergency Declaration

(Click the image for a larger, clearer view)


Tuesday, May 5, 2020

5/5/20 - KCC Extends Emergency Order Suspending Utility Disconnects


For more information contact:
Linda Berry, Director of Public Affairs
(785) 271-3269, l.berry@kcc.ks.gov       


KCC extends emergency order suspending utility disconnects until May 31

This morning, the Kansas Corporation Commission approved extending its emergency order suspending utility disconnects for nonpayment until May 31.   The action, taken during a Commission business meeting, will offer continued relief to those experiencing hardship from the COVID-19 virus. The directive covers all electrical, natural gas, water and telecommunications utilities under the KCC’s jurisdiction.

The Commission’s original suspension order was issued on March 16 to expire on April 15. On April 14, Commissioners extended the order to May 15. Today’s order runs concurrently with Executive Order 20-28 issued last week by Governor Laura Kelly. The Governor’s order prohibits utilities, not under the jurisdiction of the KCC, from disconnecting customers until May 31.

“Even as the state begins the phased reopening process, Kansans continue to deal with the financial challenges brought about by COVID-19.  Maintaining utility services is critical to ensure public health and safety as the state works toward recovery,” said Commission Chair Susan Duffy.

The Commission may elect to extend the suspension order in a subsequent order if conditions warrant.