COVID-19 Updates
Update Feb. 2, 2021
Miami County COVID vaccine survey
The Miami County Health Department has launched a survey platform for residents to complete to indicate their interest in receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. The survey is available here: https://bit.ly/3oCG1Xn
Update Jan. 22, 2021
COVID-19 vaccine information
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has created a webpage that provides information on the vaccine's safety, availability, FAQs and a "have you heard" section that distinguishes vaccine fact from fiction. The site also provides a COVID-19 vaccine dashboard that provides information on the number of Kansans vaccinated, doses distributed, percent of Kansans vaccinated and other statistics. Learn more at: https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/
Update Dec. 14, 2020
Free COVID Testing
Miami County is a location for free COVID (saliva) testing through the State of Kansas' "Go Get Tested" program, the Miami County Emergency Management department announced this morning. The Miami County location is one of many testing locations being set up across the state. Miami County's testing site will take place at the Paola Adult Education Center, 1710 Industrial Rd. Testing will begin at 9 a.m. Friday, Dec. 18. The site will be open from 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Those who arrive for testing should follow the parking flow chart. The site will not be open Dec. 24 or 25.
Those who wish to be tested are asked to make an appointment on the state's Go Get Tested website. Appointments are preferred but are not required. It is anticipated the testing site will be open through the end of the year. A patient experience brochure is available that includes information on how to register, what to expect at the testing site, how sampling is conducted, what patients receive as they await results and guidance for a positive test.
The test is free and no insurance is required. No official ID is required; only name, phone number or email are needed (in case someone is positive). Authorization and consent form will need to be signed. There is no minimum age to be tested. Out-of-state patients are not eligible for testing. Patients will be notified of test results within 48-96 hours by email or text message.
For a local alternative, residents can check with Louisburg pharmacies about potential COVID testing.
Update Nov. 30, 2020
Governor's Executive Order for Mask Protocol
The City of Louisburg and the unincorporated area of Miami County are now under a state-issued mask mandate that went into effect Wednesday, Nov. 25.
How this affects City of Louisburg residents or those doing business inside the City limits:
Masks are required:
- When inside, or in a line to enter, any indoor public space;
- Obtaining services from a healthcare provider including hospitals, pharmacies, medical clinic, laboratory, physician or dental office, veterinary clinic or blood bank;
- Waiting for or riding on public transportation or while in a taxi, private car service or ride-sharing vehicle;
- While outdoors in public spaces and unable to maintain 6-ft distance between individuals with only infrequent or incidental moments of closer proximity (does not include individuals who reside together).
Businesses and Organizations: must require all employees, customers, visitors, members or members of the public to wear a face covering when:
- Employees working in any space visited by customers or members of the public, regardless of whether anyone from the public is present at the time;
- Employees working in any space where food is prepared or packaged for sale or distribution to others;
- Customers, members, visitors or members of the public are in a facility managed by the business or organization;
- Employees in any room or enclosed area where other people are present and are unable to maintain a 6-ft. distance except for infrequent or incidental moments of closer proximity.
Exceptions:
For a complete list of exceptions in wearing a mask, please refer to the Executive Order in its entirety at the link below.
Enforcement:
The City of Louisburg’s approach is geared to education and voluntary compliance. Persons who witness violations are encouraged to call the Miami County Health Department. The Miami County Attorney’s Office has said that violations of the Executive Order could lead to civil court actions and a maximum penalty of $2,500 per violation.
The copy of the entire Executive Order is available on Governor Kelly’s website.
Update Oct. 15, 2020
Assistance for residents
Financial assistance is available for persons who have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic from the CARES Act allocation administered by Miami County.
About $1.8 million in assistance is available to help with childcare, food, rent and utilities for county residents. County residents who would like to seek a GED or additional job training are also eligible for this funding. Licensed childcare providers are also eligible for a separate grant.
Applications are being managed for the County by ECKAN and are available now through the end of the year on a first-come, first-served basis and as long as funding is available.
More information, including eligibility and how to apply, can be found on the County’s website: https://bit.ly/2FBPWME
Assistance for businesses
Additionally, if your small business or non-profit needs assistance, the Miami County Small Business Grant might be an option. Applications must be submitted by Wednesday, Oct. 21. Applications must be submitted by Wednesday, Oct. 21. Small businesses or non-profits must have a need for funding due to revenue losses from COVID-19. This could include event cancellations, business closures or lost sales. For more information, check the County’s website: https://bit.ly/3lOon1V
Update Sept. 8, 2020
The best resources to learn more about COVID-19 cases in Miami County and Kansas are the Kansas Department of Health and Environment website and the Miami County Health Department Facebook page.
Last week the KDHE released a new policy on identifying active COVID-19 clusters. Public locations, such as colleges, long-term care facilities, schools and more, will be shared if there are 5+ cases associated with that location. Clusters at private businesses are reported when there are 20+ cases.
Additionally the Miami County Health Department released information on public health guidance for K-12 school administrators.
According to the Miami County Health Department Facebook page, as of Sept. 3 there were 54 active cases in the county with 21 each in Louisburg and Paola, 7 in Osawatomie, 4 in Spring Hill and 1 in Bucyrus. There are 2 active clusters - 1 in a faith-based community and 1 in a place of business. There were 3 new hospitalizations from the previous week (Aug. 26).
Cases in the county jumped by 34 cases from Friday, Sept. 4 to Monday, Sept. 7 according to KDHE's COVID-19 tracker map increasing from 242 in the county on Friday to 276 on Monday.
Update July 9, 2020
Your help is needed to spend nearly $7M in COVID Relief Funds that has been allocated to Miami County from the State of Kansas. A plan to use those funds needs to be submitted to the State by Aug. 15 with the monies spent by the end of the year.
In an effort to understand how Miami County citizens, communities, businesses, schools and organizations have been affected, Miami County has partnered with the University of Kansas and the All in for Kansas Kids to gather stories from all parts of the county. Your help is needed to complete a brief online survey to tell us about your COVID-19 experience. Your story might tell how you lost your job, your daycare, had to help your children with online learning, became ill with COVID-19 or had another experience as a direct result of the coronavirus. All these personal narratives will help determine how the funding will be distributed.
You can access the survey at https://ourtomorro.ws/MiamiCountyGovernment. Please forward this to your friends who live and work in Miami County and ask them to help determine how to spend the Covid Relief Funds. Please don’t wait to fill out the survey. Your reply is needed by Wednesday, July 15!
Update May 4, 2020
The Plan to Reopen Kansas outlines a phased approach to restart the state.
State officials have created a website that details the response to the coronavirus. A section of the website at the bottom of the page contains a Toolkit that has specialized information on different parts of society including individuals & families, child care & foster care, law enforcement/EMS, long-term care facilities, businesses & employers, public utilities, correctional & detention facilities, postmortem, mental health professionals, churches & faith-based organizations, homeless shelter & food pantry services, dental practices and resources in Spanish.
A section is also available on local health departments & health care providers, protect yourself & others, if you think you are sick and frequently asked questions.
Update April 17, 2020
In a press conference today, Gov. Kelly highlighted a new program, the Hero Relief Program, designed to provides child care subsidies to eligible health care workers, first responders and other essential workers
The state’s Stay-at-Home order has been extended by Gov. Kelly through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, May 3. Gov. Kelly and business leaders, health experts, economists and other industry and community leaders will consult between now and then to reopen the Kansas economy safely and effectively, according to a press release from the governor’s office.
Update April 9, 2020
Need Assistance?
Local residents who might need assistance with purchasing groceries or paying utilities or rent are encouraged to reach out to Louisburg Helping Louisburg. This program is coordinated by the Louisburg Ministerial Alliance and can provide funds for these emergency needs.
If you have lost your job, the Kansas Department of Labor encourages those workers to apply for unemployment through the department’s website, getkansasbenefits.gov, rather than calling. (The department received 1.8 million calls Monday.) Many workers are wondering about the additional aid coming through the CARES Act. The department’s website has this notification: The CARES Act has been signed into law to provide an additional $600 to eligible recipients of unemployment insurance and a benefit to those not traditionally eligible for unemployment insurance such as self-employed workers, independent contractors, etc. We have begun the process of planning to implement these vital programs. However, those benefits are not available at this time as we await finalized guidance from the federal government. Once we receive the federal guidance we will provide regular updates regarding when these benefit programs will be available and what impacted workers need to do to receive them.
Businesses are encouraged to frequently check the Miami County Economic Deveopment’s COVID-19 webpage for the latest information to assist them.
Update April 7, 2020
Mass gathering revised
Governor Kelly issued a new executive order today that revised guidance on mass gatherings to limit to 10 those persons that can be in attendance for religious gatherings or funerals. A press release is available on the Governor’s website explaining the new order.
Beware of scammers
The Kansas State Insurance Commissioner has created a page on the state’s insurance department website that addresses potential scams in the insurance and securities industry related to COVID-19. Commissioner Vicki Schmidt said scammers like to try and take advantage of people in times like these. The information on the state’s website highlights scams concerning fake coronavirus insurance, bogus travel insurance, off-market securities and get-rich quick schemes.
The National League of Cities has provided a good overview of the CARES Act Payments including information on the direct payments that many will receive.
Update April 4, 2020
First COVID-19 cases reported in Miami County
This morning the Miami County Health Department Director Rita McKoon issued a press release stating the first two cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Miami County. One case is a person in his/her 70s who had contact with a positive COVID-19 case while traveling. The exposure of the second case, a person in his/her 60s, is under investigation.
"We strongly encourage the public to continue to take appropriate precautions. Everyone should practice appropriate hand hygiene, distancing measures, limiting person-to-person interaction, and most importantly, staying informed with the most up-to-date and accurate information” said Rita McKoon, health director of the Miami County Health Dept.
More information is available on the Kansas Department of Health & Environment’s webpage dedicated to COVID-19.
Update April 2, 2020
News for Businesses Part 2
Kansas Secretary of Commerce David Toland offered lots of information for county businesses in a conference call today hosted by the Miami County Economic Development Office and sponsored by the county Chambers of Commerce. During the meeting Secretary Toland said the HIRE program (information on this program is listed below under 3/20/20) has distributed all the funding it currently has but he encourages businesses to still make a request. If additional funding becomes available it will be distributed more or less on a first-come, first-served basis. The information collected also assists the state in gathering data on businesses impacted by the Stay-at-Home order which could potentially get more dollars to the state.
There are many other programs available for businesses in a variety of grants and loans. The best resource for this information is the Miami County Economic Development COVID-19 Resource page on the county’s website.
Local News
The Louisburg City Council will be conducting its regular meeting Monday, April 6 via Zoom. Additional information on this is elsewhere on this website.
While the Louisburg Library remains closed during the Stay-at-Home order, it continues to offer services to its patrons. It’s Wi-Fi service has been expanded and is available 24/7 in particular to aid the students with distance learning. The library’s website remains open and offers a variety of digital options and resources for all ages.
Update March 31, 2020
News for businesses
A Skype meeting for local small businesses with the Kansas Secretary of Commerce David Toland will be from 2-2:30 Thursday, April 2. You may join the meeting by call 785-414-8630 or on the Skype App with conference ID: 725082480#. An overview of measures provided by the department will be shared and Secretary Toland also wants to hear business owners’ needs. Specific questions should be submitted in advance to the County Economic Development Office by noon Wednesday by emailing: jmcrae@miamicountyks.org. The Louisburg Chamber of Commerce along with the County Economic Development Office and other county chambers are hosting the event. The Louisburg Chamber sent information in an email blast to its members yesterday. Information is available on their Facebook page or the County’s Economic Development Facebook page.
SBA Assistance
The U.S. Small Business Administration’s coronavirus webpage has lots of great information for small business owners including paycheck protection programs, economic injury disaster loans and loan advance, SBA debt relief, SBA express bridge loans and other services.
SBA COVID-19 Resources Webinar
The SBA Wichita District Office and Kansas Small Business Development Center will present the latest information on resources available for small businesses and non-profits affected by COVID-19 in a webinar at 9 a.m. Thursday, April 2. Pre-registration is required. This webinar will be conducted various times in the upcoming days. A recording of one of the webinars is also available.
Statewide stay-at-home order
Gov Kelly issued Executive Order 20-16 that established a statewide stay-at-home order through until April 19. This order overrides the County’s stay-at-home order although the County’s order will pick back up when the statewide order expires. The County’s stay-at-home order runs through 12:01 a.m. Thursday, April 23.
Update March 27, 2020
Executive Order to limit mass gatherings
Gov. Kelly issued Executive Order 20-14 that temporarily prohibits mass gatherings of 10 or more to limit the spread of COVID-19.
Update March 26, 2020
Voluntary Reduction in Burning
KDHE and the Kansas Department of Agriculture are asking all land owners and managers to voluntarily reduce the numbers of acreage they plan to burn this spring. With the coronavirus pandemic overwhelming the state’s medical facilities, state officials are hoping to mitigate any respiratory illnesses due to the burning. The call to reduce burning will also alleviate any responses by county emergency response staff which is already being taxed due to COVID-19.
Update March 24, 2020
Gov. Kelly issues 4 Executive orders
The orders temporarily prohibits certain foreclosures and evictions; in some instances forbids suspension or cancellation of residential or commercial trash service for non-payment when directly related to COVID-19; extends deadlines for driver’s licenses and vehicle registrations renewals and regulations; and extends the tax deadline to July 15, 2020.
Childcare Guidance
KDHE has issued guidance for supporting families in accessing safe and healthy childcare.
Kansas City Regional COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund
A coalition of charitable, business and government partners has joined together to create the Kansas City Regional COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund to address the needs of the Kansas City region’s most vulnerable communities affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Miami County is included in this effort. The fund will make grants to nonprofit organizations that provide support impacted communities – particularly those that are disproportionately affected by this global pandemic and its economic consequences. Funding donations have been made by metro area individuals, foundations, businesses and organizations. Additional funding is being sought.
Update March 23, 2020
Stay-at-Home Order
Today the Miami County Local Health Officer issued a 29-day stay-at-home order for all of Miami County to take effect at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, March 25 and will end at 12:01 a.m. Thursday, April 23.
Also today the Miami County Commissioners issued a declaration of Local Disaster Emergency.
Essential vs Non-Essential
Police Chief Tim Bauer explains the stay-at-home order.
The Emergency Order of the Local Health Officer in Miami County, Kansas, allows for numerous exceptions regarding essential activities and essential businesses (ie…health care operations, essential infrastructure and essential government functions). The order specifically lists out the exceptions for these categories. The Order does state that state, county and local law enforcement “is hereby ordered to assist in the execution and enforcement of this order”.
Miami County residents can leave their residences for the essential purposes listed in the Local Health Officer’s Emergency Order 3-23-2020, such as: obtaining groceries; medications; trips to and from a health care provider or medical facility; fuel; essential products for one’s home; wellbeing and safety; along with many other exceptions; and/or working for essential businesses. The Order is very comprehensive when read in its entirety and should answer most questions that may arise.
The Louisburg Police Department will not be stopping vehicles or individuals randomly or systematically with the sole intent of determining their presence or travels in regards to the Emergency Order. Officers will still be conducting active patrolling and vehicle and pedestrian stops when appropriate, in response to a traffic infraction, crime or suspicious activity.
New City Hall Hours
City Hall is changing hours effective Tuesday, March 24 and phones will be answered from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday. Remember online utility bill payment is available 24/7. Payments may by made by phone at 877-690-3729 and enter jurisdiction code 2616. You will need your utility account number found on your statement to complete the transaction.
City Court Canceled
Louisburg Municipal Court has been canceled Tuesday, March 24. Questions can be directed to the court clerk at at jmcgowin@louisburgkansas.gov.
No one will be penalized and no warrants will be issued during this cancellation.
FEMA Response
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has created a COVID-19 response page in English and Spanish.
FEMA has also created a rumor control page that debunks many rumors circulating on social media.
Update March 20, 2020
Fox Hall
Fox Hall will close to public use Saturday afternoon. The VFW will have a drive-up pancake feed Saturday, March 21 from 7-noon. Call ahead to place your order: 913 353 8669. Breakfast can be picked up via the alley.
Business assistance
Information was released this morning from the state on loans and other funding measures for businesses, especially hospitality businesses. See the links below and check the Miami County Economic Development’s COVID-19 Business Resource page for additional information.
Kansas HIRE Fund - Business loans for the hospitality industry suffering an impact from COVID 19 with a link to apply for assistance.
Small Business Administration - Disaster Loan Assistance program. As of March 19, the State of Kansas is still working to obtain eligibility for this status. Updates will be posted on the SBA web site.
AltCap Fast Start Loan -A regional partner, AtlCap has streamlined its process for loans up to $20,000 with a processing time of about 48 hours. The first month payment can be waived.
Some local assistance can be found in Louisburg Helping Louisburg, a program sponsored by the Ministerial Alliance. This program may be able to assist those who have had their hours cut or laid off. Louisburg Helping Louisburg is also accepting cash donations to be able to assist more people if you would like to help.
Update March 19, 2020
Louisburg Helping Louisburg
Yesterday, the Louisburg Ministerial Alliance issued a Louisburg Helping Louisburg invitation to assist those in need during the COVID-19 outbreak by providing grocery shopping, meals and payment of utility assistance.
Grab n Go lunches for ages 1-18
Starting Tuesday, March 24, USD 416 will offer Grab n Go meals to all persons ages 1-18 from 11-noon. The meals will be available on the west side of Broadmoor School. Meals will be offered Monday through Friday starting Tuesday. Each meal will include a lunch for that day and breakfast for the next day. Children do not need to be accompanied by their parent but must be in the car to receive a meal. (Meaning a parent in the neighborhood could drive non-related kids for the pick-up.) Kids that might be home alone can bike to get their meal. School staff will be available to hand out the lunches. Persons should remain in their cars during the pick-up.
Senior Center
The Louisburg Senior Center will provide take-out lunches starting Monday, March 30 for area seniors. Seniors in need of a meal should call the center at 913-837-5113 by noon the day prior to order a meal. The center is offering limited transportation services.
Miami County prohibits gatherings over 10; closes county restaurants, bars
The Miami County Commission and Public Health Officer issues a state of emergency until April 2, 2020, that limits gatherings over 10 persons except for governmental and judicial functions, healthcare facilities, private business operations, religious and faith-based activities, weddings and funerals.
The Public Health Officer ordered the closure of dine-in options at all county restaurants. Restaurants may still provide drive-up, curbside and delivery service.
Miami County Business Response
The Miami County Economic Development Office has created a business resource page to learn more about county business response to COVID-19. The Economic Development’s Visit Miami County Facebook page is updating a list of business information, including hours and other precautions.
County offices have closed to the public but offer ways to still transact business with county offices.
Waste Management
Waste Management’s residential call center has temporarily closed while they set up staff to work from home. They hope the call center is up and running by the end of next week. If you need immediate assistance, call City Hall at 913-837-5371 ext. 0.
City Hall
City Hall closed to the public beginning March 17, 2020.
- To make a utility payment drop your payment in the drop box located next to the doors on the west side of the building. You may also pay online.
- Or you may call City Hall at 913-837-5371, ext. 0 to make a credit card payment.
- Most permits, including burn permits, are available on the City’s website and may be filled out online and emailed back to City staff. Be sure to save the permit to your desktop and then email. It is recommended that you don’t use Chrome.
- If you need additional assistance, please call City Hall at 913-837-5371, ext. 0.
Louisburg Fire & Police
The fire station is closed to public access. The police station has limited public access.
City Utility Payments
The City Utility Department will be following Gov. Laura Kelly’s orders and will not shut off any utility during the state’s emergency declaration. The City provides gas, water and sewer to customers.
Updates from Kansas Department of Health & Environment
KDHE offers daily updates on COVID-19.
Information from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
The CDC provides information on Coronavirus
The CDC’s situation summary page provides the latest update on source, spread, response and recommendations.