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: