Information, Health and Food Help During COVID-19 Outbreak in Kansas

Last Updated on August 24, 2021

In the face of the coronavirus pandemic, AARP Kansas is providing information and resources to help older Kansans and those caring for them protect themselves from the virus and help prevent it from spreading to others.

As always, Kansans should continue to adhere to hygiene and social distancing protocols, including:

• Washing hands frequently, while avoiding contact with one’s face;
• Remaining home when sick or running a fever;
• Following isolation and quarantine orders issued by state or local health officers;
• Wearing a cloth face mask when in public;

Do you have symptoms?
If you have coronavirus symptoms, call your health care provider or local public health department to figure out if you could — and should — get tested. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) people with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

This list does not include all possible symptoms.

Kansas Covid-19 County Response Policies

Up-to-date state health information:

• The Kansas Department of Health and Environment offers updates on those infected, plus tips for prevention, public resources and contact information. Call toll-free 866-534-3463 (866-KDHEINF).
• KDHE Answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's).
• Facebook accounts for Governor Kelly and KDHE provide ongoing up-to-date information.

Food assistance resources:

• If financial difficulty is a barrier to food, find your closest food bank and other food assistance programs in your area.
  
  • Kansas Food Bank, (Wichita and central, eastern and western Kansas).
  • Harvesters (Topeka and northeast Kansas),
  • other local food pantries.
  • Find a Meals on Wheels program near you.
• Kansas WIC program physical requirement waived.
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)– provides monthly nutritional food assistance for people with low incomes and limited assets. Call toll-free 1-888-369-4777.

Unemployment benefits:

• To apply for unemployment insurance in Kansas, visit the Kansas Department of Labor's website or visit the Kansas Department of Labor's Facebook page for updates.

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program in Kansas:

• Visit Kansas Tax-Aide.

General Assistance for older Kansans:

• For information relating to services for older Kansans and Kansans with disabilities, visit the Kansas Department on Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) website.
• To find your the Area Agency on Aging in your area and for additional resources for older Kansas click here.
• Kansas Advocates for Better Care advocates for quality long-term care in Kansas.
• COVID-19 Resources from the Disability Rights Center of Kansas for Kansans with Disabilities.
• Visit Eldercare Locator for additional resources in your area.
• For questions and assistance about Kansas nursing homes, contact the Long-Term Care Ombudsman's office by e-mail or by phone at 1-877-662-8362.
• AARP Friendly Voices program - receive a call from a friendly AARP volunteer. Call 1-888-281-0145 or visit them online.

Veterans Assistance :

• Kansas Commission on Veterans Affairs website or Facebook page.
• AARP Resources for Veterans, Military and Their Families.
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
• Veterans Administration message to veterans.

Driver's License and Vehicle Registration Extension Information:

• Learn about driver's license and vehicle registrations by visiting the Kansas Department of Revenue website.

Ideas for Physical Activity at Home:

• 10 Fun Tips from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.
• Turn Your Walk Into a Workout with Denise Austin.
• Exercising at Home.

More on Coronavirus

• 7 Ways to Handle Anxiety During the Outbreak.
• Practical Tips to Help Caregivers Reduce Exposure.