Kansas has reported another big increase in new coronavirus cases that capped its worst two-week spike since the pandemic began.
The state health department released its latest figures Friday as a statewide mask mandate from the governor took effect. The Department of Health and Environment reported that Kansas has had 15,919 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus, up 929, or 6.2% since only Wednesday. Kansas also has reported 277 COVID-19-related deaths, up five in two days.
Kansas reported an average of 276 new coronavirus cases a day over the past two weeks — the largest 14-day average since the state confirmed its first case March 7.