Stories from Monday, March 23, 2020

March 22, 2020; 8:00 PM The following actions are officially implemented by the Bourbon County Public Health Officer and shall be in official force and effect at 8:00 PM on Sunday, March 22, 2020. This order shall remain in effect until modified or rescinded by the Public Health Officer. ...

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment reports as of 3 p.m. Monday, March 23, there are 82 positive, confirmed cases of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Kansas. That number includes one death each in Johnson and Wyandotte counties. In addition, there were two positive cases of out-of-state residents reported, each in Ford and Miami counties...

A Bourbon County, KS positive COVID-19 test was confirmed this afternoon. The testing has been confirmed through the KDHE laboratory in Topeka. The Bourbon County Public Health Department is working diligently to investigate, identify and contact individuals who have been exposed. Updates to follow...

The VA Eastern Kansas Health Care System, which includes the Dwight D. Eisenhower VA Medical Center, the Colmery-O’Neil VA Medical Center and its eight rural community-based clinics, has implemented increased precautions and procedures to protect veteran patient population, staff, and visitors...

The Bourbon County Courthouse will remain closed to the public at least until April 5. The decision was made during a special Bourbon County Commission meeting held via teleconference Monday morning. The courthouse was closed last week due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic...

As of noon Monday, Ascension Via Christi Hospital will enact additional visitation restrictions designed to protect patients and staff as COVID-19 has reached Southeast Kansas and a growing number of surrounding counties. This includes the emergency department in Fort Scott, which is also no longer allowing visitors. Exceptions for the following units, where one visitor will be allowed in:...

Ascension Via Christi's hospitals continue to receive calls from individuals and companies wanting to donate unused personal protection equipment by temporarily closed companies wanting to put items to good use. "The generosity and supportive nature of those who live in our community is amazing," Randy Cason, president of Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, said. "We are extremely grateful for our community’s kindness and for everyone else stepping up to help."...

Due to the threat of COVID-19, several agencies are closing their doors to the public and several events have been cancelled or postponed. Most restaurants are providing curb, carry-out or drive-through service. As the week progresses, many other events and agencies may close to the public as well. This is a compilation of press releases the Tribune has received as of 4:30 p.m. Monday...