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...