Kansas awaits ruling on church limits; coronavirus cases up

 

April 19, 2020



TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas officials were waiting Saturday to learn whether a federal judge would block an order from Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly limiting religious gatherings to check the spread of the novel coronavirus as the number of cases and COVID-19-related deaths continued to rise.

U.S. District Judge John Broomes in Wichita was considering a request from two churches, First Baptist in Dodge City, and Calvary Baptist in Junction City, and their pastors, over an order Kelly issued April 7. It limits the number of congregation members at in-person worship services or other activities to 10 or fewer.

The churches and pastors contend the order violates their religious, assembly and free-speech rights and asked Broomes to block the order at least until he has another hearing Wednesday in the lawsuit they filed. Kelly maintains her order is about protecting public health.

The state health department reported that COVID-19-related deaths increased by two Saturday, to 86. Confirmed coronavirus cases rose by 5%, or 85, to 1,790.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms that clear up within three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness and death.

 

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