News from the State
Thank you to representative Jim Kelly for giving us some updates from the House and across the state.
The Kansas Attorney General's office have been receiving lots of facemask questions, especially with so many different guidelines in counties and cities across the state. Many of these questions and concerns are coming from businesses that are on the front lines of enforcing the guidelines in many locales.
The Board of Regents and the Community College Association reported plans are moving along well to resume face to face classes in the Fall … their plan is designed for opening, and staying open.
The KS Association of Community College mentioned fall sports moving to spring and their working with K-12 on dual enrollment students.
The Hospital Association & KS Medical Society … Both pointed out there is a difference between the number of positive cases and the number of hospitalizations which needs to be considered … not all ICU beds are filled with COVID patients … they also are filled by, surgery patients, accident victims, stroke and heart attack patients … their belief is Kansas will be able to handle any COVID spikes we experience. The hospital association specifically mentioned the difficulty created by the number reporting tools they have to utilize, and the frequent changes in these tools. They also mentioned not all parts of the state have the needed amount of PPE's and staffing, but the Hospital Association is working to try to keep supplies getting to where they are needed.
Mental Health... State hospitals are at capacity … this is creating issues for local law enforcement. It was also noted we are seeing an increasing number of suicides and suicide attempts and increasing levels of domestic violence. Mental health providers are also experiencing more positives in staff members they are having to deal with.
Long Term Care - Also experiencing an uptick in staff positives around the state. Testing varies from county to county, so this makes it difficult for many providers. Getting guidance on PPE supplies and testing is a challenge.
Small and Large Business … In counties, or cities where mask are required, it is very difficult for businesses when they are placed in the position of having to be the enforcer … there needs to be more direction to the businesses … and more assistance for these businesses on the enforcement.
