SCCC Works with KDHE to Provide Help, Support for Families

LIBERAL, Kan. — Seward County Community College trustees held an unusual Sunday afternoon meeting by phone to discuss a request for help from the State of Kansas to potentially help with COVID-19 responses. The trustees unanimously approved a motion to provide emergency housing for uninfected family members of Seward County residents exposed to COVID-19.

Trzaska, who spent most of Saturday in conversation with state and county leadership plans to continue efforts with respective agencies to better understand timelines and protocols. Any person residing on campus would be required to follow strict protocols and sign an agreement to that effect. Tenants breaking the agreement would be required to leave.

According to data released by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, positive COVID-19 cases have begun to rise in communities that are part of the Southwest Kansas “Golden Triangle” of meat packing, particularly in Dodge City/Ford County (127) and in Garden City/Finney County (32). While the current number of COVID-19 cases confirmed in Seward County is 45, officials in all sectors of local government expect exponential increases in the coming weeks.

“When you consider how many people work at National Beef, and the tremendous impact it has on the local economy, we know it is important to work together as much as possible to contain the risks and protect our community,” said Trzaska.

As a community college, the trustees agreed, SCCC has a responsibility to support and help the community in diverse ways.