Category: COVID-19

COVID-19 cases increase to 7 in Wyandotte County

The number of COVID-19 positive cases in Wyandotte County increased to seven in the late afternoon hours of March 18.

The previous day’s total was four. The figures were found on the Unified Government’s COVID-19 information page.

The number of cases in Johnson County also increased, to 12 on March 18, according to the Johnson County Health Department’s website. It was 10 on the morning of March 17.

The state health department today said that testing of Johnson County persons would be limited to those with severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing. More information is at https://wyandotteonline.com/kdhe-quarantines-to-become-mandatory/ and https://wyandotteonline.com/kansas-reaches-21-covid-19-cases-part-of-kc-metro-area-shifts-into-mitigation/.

To see the Wyandotte County COVID-19 page, visit https://www.wycokck.org/COVID-19

The KDHE COVID-19 page is at https://govstatus.egov.com/coronavirus

The CDC also has a COVID-19 website at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/.


To see the Johnson County COVID-19 page, visit
https://www.jocogov.org/coronavirus-covid-19-update.

Rep. Davids says ‘our community needs more tests, not less’

U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids, D-3rd Dist., issued a statement in response to new testing guidelines released by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment that reduce COVID-19 coronavirus testing in Johnson County, which has the most confirmed cases of the coronavirus:

“The science is clear: the best way to prevent the spread of this virus is to make sure those who have it are aware and can act to protect themselves and others around them. This Administration’s failure to lead on this is now forcing Kansas to take away tests from the areas that need it most. With the greatest number of coronavirus cases in Kansas being in Johnson and Wyandotte Counties, our community needs more tests, not less, and we need them now. I’ll keep pushing for this Administration and the Governor’s office to prioritize the health and safety of the Third District.

“This also emphasizes the importance of each person taking the proper steps to prevent the further spread of this virus in our community. That means staying home when you are sick, practicing social distancing, washing your hands with soap and water, and following all public health guidelines.”

BPU board discusses dealing with COVID-19

BPU members viewed a presentation during Wednesday evening’s board meeting in Kansas City, Kansas. Board members discussed the COVID-19 pandemic and actions it might take, as well as the lineman apprentice program. (Photo by William Crum)

by William Crum

Board members discussed various ways to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic at the March 18 meeting of the Board of Public Utilities.

Board members discussed and asked questions about BPU employees who are working from home. Board members were sitting about six feet away from each other.

The BPU also recently announced a temporary moratorium. It will not disconnect utility service for nonpayment during hardships that are faced during COVID-19 .

In other action, Jeremy Ash gave a presentation about the lineman apprentice program. He said the apprentice program was started on March 5.

He also stated it cost the BPU $800 per person to go through the program.