KS Emergency Declaration 3/12/2020: Governor Laura Kelly has issued an emergency declaration for the State of Kansas in response to COVID-19 (coronavirus).  The declaration authorizes the use of state resources and personnel to assist with response and recovery operations in affected counties that meet certain criteria. State Disaster Proclamation

RESCINDED - NEW EXECUTIVE ORDER BELOW - Mass Gatherings 3/17/2020: Governor Kelly lissued orders temporarily prohibiting mass gatherings to limit the spread of COVID-19. The ban will exempt certain activities such as religious gatherings, funerals, childcare locations, assisted living facilities, retail establishments, and more. Executive Order 20.04

Utility & Internet Disconnects 3/17/2020: Governor Kelly issued an order temporarily prohibiting utility and internet disconnects. Executive Order No. 20.05

RESCINDED - NEW EXECUTIVE ORDER BELOW - Evictions & Foreclosures 3/17/2020: Governor Kelly issued an order temporarily prohibiting evictions and foreclosures. Executive Order No. 20.06

Insurance update: TOPEKA, Kan. – The Kansas Insurance Department has been in communication with all major medical insurance carriers offering fully insured health plans in Kansas regarding the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). As of today, the department confirmed that all major medical insurance carriers for fully insured plans are committed to waiving the cost sharing for Novel Coronavirus testing. For those Kansans who are insured through an employer-based, self-funded plan, it is advised they consult with their human resource department.
For any Kansan who experiences difficulties with their insurance carrier, they are encouraged to contact the consumer assistance division of the Kansas Insurance Department through insurance.kansas.gov or by calling 1-800-432-2484.

Quarantine Mandates for Travelers 3/18/2020: KDHE issued new mandates for quarantine and isolation of travelers, close contacts and those being tested. KDHE Quarantine Mandate

IRS Update 3/18/2020: Following President Donald J. Trump’s emergency declaration pursuant to the Stafford Act, the U.S. Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) today issued guidance allowing all individual and other non-corporate tax filers to defer up to $1 million of federal income tax (including self-employment tax) payments due on April 15, 2020, until July 15, 2020, without penalties or interest. Internal Revenue Service

Travel Update 3/19/2020: The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to avoid all international travel due to the global impact of COVID-19. US Dept. of State

City Commission Meeting Postponed 3/19/2020: The City of Fort Scott will be postponing the scheduled budget work session that was to be held on Monday, March 23 and the regularly scheduled City Commission meeting, which was to be held on Tuesday, March 24. City of Fort Scott

Drinking Water & Wastewater: There is no higher priority for EPA than protecting the health and safety of Americans. EPA is providing this important information about COVID-19 as it relates to drinking water and wastewater to provide clarity to the public. The COVID-19 virus has not been detected in drinking-water supplies. Based on current evidence, the risk to water supplies is low. Americans can continue to use and drink water from their tap as usual. EPA.Gov

Temporary Telemedicine Expansion 3/22/2020 - Governor Kelly issued an order temporarily expanding telemedicine and addressing certain licensing requirements to combat the effects of COVID-19. Executive Order No. 20-08

Temporary Relief from Certain Motor Carrier Regulations 3/22/2020 - Governor Kelly orders conditional and temporary relief from certain motor carrier rules and regulations in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Executive Order No. 20-09

Kansas Small Business Disaster Loans 3/22/2020 - Governor Kelly announced today that the US Small Business Administration approved her request to make loans of up to $2 million available to small businesses disrupted by coronavirus. Kansas Department of Commerce Press Release

Local Restrictions on Non-Essential Businesses 3/22/2020 - Bourbon County is now restricting or prohibiting business activities for all non-essential businesses and is making recommendations for essential business functions. SEK Multi-Health Departments Press Release

City of Fort Scott Closed to the Public 3/22/2020 - The City of Fort Scott will be closed to the public until further notice. City of Fort Scott Press Release

Bourbon County State of Emergency 3/22/2020 - Sunday , March 22, 2020, Bourbon County Emergency Management announced the first confirmed case of COVID-19, Coronavirus, in Bourbon County. The announcement was followed by a Bourbon County Commission meeting where, after a short executive session, a COVID-19 Emergency Resolution was unanimously adopted.  The resolution declares a state of local health public emergency within Bourbon County for 60 days or until recovered earlier. Bourbon County Press Release

KDHE Testing Prioritization & Quarantine Notices 3/23/2020 - The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is issuing several updates today, including the addition of new states to the quarantine mandates as well as a prioritization for COVID-19 tests submitted to the Kansas Health and Environmental Laboratories. KDHE Press Release

Foreclosures & Evictions Update 3/24/2020 - Governor Kelly rescinded Executive Order 20-06 and signed new orders to temporarily prohibit certain foreclosures and evictions. Executive Order No. 20-10

Waste Removal & Recycling 3/24/2020 - Governor Kelly signed orders temporarily requiring continuation of waste removal and recycling services. Executive Order No. 20-11

Drivers’ License & Vehicle Registration 3/24/2020 - Governor Kelly signed orders pertaining to drivers’ license and vehicle registration and regulation during public health emergency. Executive Order No. 20-12

Tax Deadlines & Payments 3/24/2020 - Governor Kelly signed an order allowing certain deferred tax deadlines and payments during the COVID-19 pandemic. Executive Order No. 20-13

Mass Gatherings 3/24/2020 - Governor Kelly signed orders temporarily prohibiting mass gatherings of 10 or more people to limit the spread of COVID-19 and rescinding Executive Order 20-14

Essential Function Framework 3/24/2020 - Governor Kelly signed orders establishing the Kansas Essential Framework for COVID-19 response efforts. Executive Order 20-15

Bourbon County Stay at Home Order 3/26/2020 - Emergency Public Health Order to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Emergency Order of Local Health Officer

Kansas Stay Home Order 3/28/2020 - Governor Kelly signed an ordered establishing a statewide "stay home" order in conjunction with the Kansas Essential Functions Framework for COVID-19 response efforts. Kansas Stay Home Executive Order 3/28/2020

Unemployment Insurance Requirements 3/31/2020 - Governor Kelly signed an order for temporary relief from certain unemployment insurance requirements in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Executive Order No. 20-17