As of today, Kansas shifts from an emergency pandemic response to COVID-19 to an endemic response.  Governor Laura Kelly and the KDHE made the announcement yesterday.  What this means is that life with COVID-19 will be treated the same as other recurring diseases, such as the flu.  Governor Kelly stressed that the pandemic is not over however, the tools and knowledge are now in place to prevent or reduce the spread of the virus.

Moving forward the KDHE will work with local health departments.  The KDHE has developed a plan to address six key areas to help ensure safety and well-being.  The department will be focusing on intervention, vaccination, treatment, testing monitoring and communication.  The KDHE says that should a surge in cases develop the department is prepared to ramp up its capacity to quickly respond.