COVID-19, also known as the Coronavirus, has been the popular topic of conversation and has caused some panic for a few months now. There hasn't been any reported cases of the virus in Southeast Kansas, but Labette County Health Department Director Lisa Stivers says they're prepared for whatever happens.

Stivers says a lot of the process runs through the Kansas Department of Health. She says they have the test kits and they decide if someone should be tested or not. Dr. Sonya Culver says this is very similar to the flu.  Culver says comparing it to outbreaks like SARS and MERS, which were also forms of corona virus, the main difference is how far its spread. 

The biggest ways to help prevent the spread is to make sure you are washing your hands thoroughly and avoid touching your face. If you do feel sick they say to call before coming in and they'll go over your symptoms, this is to help prevent the spread of the virus.