By the Associated Press and KFDI News:

Coronavirus cases are increasing faster in Kansas’ four most populous counties than they are in the state as a whole and account for the majority of new cases reported since last week.

The state Department of Health and Environment said Monday that Kansas has had 10,650 coronavirus cases since the pandemic arrived in early March. That’s up 257 or 2.5% since Friday.

The number of COVID-19-related deaths rose by four to 236 total since early March. The number of cases is growing faster in both Johnson and Wyandotte counties in the Kansas City area, as well as in Sedgwick and Shawnee counties.

Governor Kelly said Monday most of the state can move into Phase 3 of the state’s reopening plan, but counties that are seeing increases in coronavirus trends are encouraged to stay with the Phase 2 guidelines.   Sedgwick County is staying with Phase 2 through early July.   The latest numbers have Sedgwick County with 660 cases and 22 deaths.  There are 456 people who have recovered, and almost 18,000 county residents have been tested.

The governor said she is proud of Kansans for following health guidelines, and their actions have saved lives.