The Superior Express -

Stop the Spread Kansas is a public awareness campaign urging Kansans to do their part in slowing the rate of COVID-19 infections across the state. Stakeholders are encouraging Kansans to follow the Centers for Disease Control guidelines, avoid mass gatherings, use face coverings and other measures to preserve precious health care resources.

Campaign partners include the Kansas Hospital Association, Kansas Chamber, Kansas Farm Bureau and the Kansas Medical Society. Additional organizations are likely to join the statewide effort that will begin before Thanksgiving.

“Hospitals across the state are facing significant capacity and staffing constraints because of increased COVID-19 spread, and this campaign will help ensure the normal standards of care Kansans expect will be preserved,” said Chad Austin, KHA president and CEO. “All mitigation efforts taken over these next several weeks will be critical to keeping Kansas businesses, schools and other services safely open.”

Kansans can access campaign resources, industry-specific toolkits and guidance from the CDC and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment at http://www.StoptheSpreadKansas.org. The landing page will provide numerous communications resources over the next few weeks to help Kansans spread the word, not the virus.

The most important aspect is educating citizens on the four tools they can use to stop the spread of COVID-19:

Wearing a mask

Washing hands often

Keeping a safe distance

Avoiding large gatherings

“It’s imperative we use every tool at our disposal to stop the spread of COVID-19. We must act quickly to alleviate strain on our hospital systems so our schools, businesses and communities can continue safely operating. I encourage all Kansans to avoid large gatherings and practice social distancing. When that’s not possible, please wear a mask to help keep Kansas open,” said Rich Felts, Kansas Farm Bureau president.