KANSAS CITY, Mo. — 41 Action News is offering a daily recap of COVID-19 related stories from across Kansas City and the country. Check back every morning for the latest developments.
LATEST: COVID-19 case tracker for Missouri, Kansas and Kansas City
University of Kansas Health System update
Doctors with the University of Kansas Health System said operations have remained "stable" over the past 24 hours. The hospital is treating 87 COVID-19 patients with acute infections, including 46 who are in the ICU and 30 on ventilators.
The hospital also has 68 patients in the recovery phase, bringing the total number of virus patients to 155.
"I think it's good that we're stable," said Dr. Dana Hawkinson, infectious diseases expert. "It's a lot better than going up."
Dr. Steven Stites, chief medical officer, also said that questions about the "Thanksgiving effect" — whether cases will increase after people traveled to see family over the holiday weekend — won't be known "for a little while yet."
Doctors on Friday also spoke with local merchants about efforts to support small businesses while staying safe.
Many hoping for vaccine, but questions still remain
While hope is on the horizon in the form of a COVID-19 vaccine, health officials are finding people have many questions surrounding their effectiveness and side effects.
The Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health Department recently conducted a survey that found the majority of people plan to take a vaccine when it’s available, though the results also show that they want more information first.
Other research shows that a willingness to take the vaccine is lower among Black Americans. Coronavirus has taken a heavy toll on people of color, and doctors in those communities are urging people to get the vaccine when it's available.
Historically, only a few vaccines have ever been recalled, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Overall, vaccines have been successful in eliminating diseases, including smallpox, measles and Hepatitis B.
Small KC businesses urge lawmakers for more help
Many small businesses in the Kansas City area are barely treading water during the COVID-19 pandemic. As lawmakers in Washington, D.C, continue political posturing about a second stimulus package, these local business owners are pleading for more help now that earlier aid has dried up.
Independence alters utility operations
The city of Independence will waive late fees on all utility bills, both residential and commercial, for the next 60 days. Some billing cycles fell behind because utility employees were impacted by COVID-19, according to Mayor Eileen Weir.
Commercial disconnects also will be suspended for the next 60 days because of challenges presented by the pandemic.
KU to bring back fans at basketball games
The University of Kansas will allow fans at athletic events beginning Monday, Dec. 7, Chancellor Douglas Girod said Thursday.
In mid-November, the university prohibited fans through the rest of the month due to an increase in COVID-19 cases in the community.
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