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 reported 69 active COVID-19 patients in the hospital on Wednesday, including 25 patients who are in the ICU and 13 on ventilators. The hospital also has 65 patients in recovery phases.
Dr. Steven Stites, chief medical officer, referred to the latest patient numbers as a "stable plateau" and said that 12 days after Christmas, the health system is not seeing "a huge, rapid uptick yet."
"Let's hope it stays there," Stites said. "If it does, it’s because you are doing a good job: wearing your mask, staying in small groups, keeping your distance, not going out if you’re sick, all the things we know."
Also Wednesday, Dr. Marissa Love joined the briefing to discuss questions surrounding allergies and the COVID-19 vaccine. Generally, allergic reactions to the vaccine are rare.
On Thursday, the doctors will hold their 200th briefing since the coronavirus pandemic began.
Data: Kansas has lowest vaccine distribution rate in U.S.
Kansas has the lowest rate of COVID-19 vaccine distribution in the nation, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The state has received 131,750 doses of the vaccine but has only administered 20,110 doses, a rate of 690 people per 100,000.
A spokesperson for Kansas on Tuesday attributed the low vaccination rate to slow reporting, saying that not all providers have been trained on the system to report distribution.
Chiefs’ strength coach tests positive for virus
Barry Rubin, the Kansas City Chiefs’ strength and conditioning coach, reportedly tested positive for COVID-19. Per the NFL’s COVID-19 policy, contact tracing is underway. Because of the team's first-round bye, players won’t practice until Thursday and weren’t required to be at the facility this week unless receiving treatment from training staff.
Financial expert answers stimulus check questions
A certified financial planner spoke with 41 Action News about common questions people have regarding the second round of stimulus checks. Matt Frankel, a financial planner for The Ascent, said the distribution of checks has gone smoother this time.
The IRS will use the information filers put on their 2019 tax forms to send their checks, but if that information has changed, the check may bounce back to the IRS. Frankel said if that happens, filers can claim it on their 2020 tax returns.
Olathe senior living facility reopens to visitors
It was a moment months in the making on Monday when loved ones began visiting their relatives at Anthology of Olathe, a senior living facility. For many families, it was their first chance to sit down face-to-face with each other since March. Residents and staff at the facility were vaccinated last week.
Agencies warn of vaccine scams
While millions of Americans wait to get a COVID-19 vaccine, scammers are using the uncertainty to prey on those desperate for access. Several federal agencies say they have received complaints of fraudsters attempting to steal people’s personal information.
Those agencies urged caution about offers for early access to a vaccine for a fee and unsolicited calls from people claiming to represent a medical office or insurance company, especially if the callers ask for personal or medical information.
Big 12 postpones K-State, KU women’s basketball games
The Big 12 has postponed three women’s basketball games involving teams from the Sunflower State, including two Kansas State games and one Kansas game. On Monday, K-State said it would pause team activities following recent COVID-19 tests. Kansas also has postponed two games already this season because of COVID-19 issues within the program.
—
Find more coronavirus news and resources from 41 Action News here.
