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
As of Monday, there are 130 acute COVID-19 patients at the University of Kansas Health System Hospital, doctors said in their daily update.
Of those, 31 are in the intensive care unit and 11 are on ventilators. Forty-five patients are in stages of recovery.
Dr. David Wild described the increase in cases as "truly exponential." The doctors also noted their partners further west in Kansas, in more rural communities, are seeing a "surge" in the number of patients.
KCMO mayor to announce additional COVID-19 guidance on Monday
Amid the rising case numbers, Kansas City, Missouri, Mayor Quinton Lucas is set to announce new public health guidance at noon Monday.
Kansas City health leaders call for steps to limit COVID-19 spread
The announcement comes after Kansas City-area health departments issued a list of recommendations Friday.
Leaders of area hospitals supported the recommendations, noting that ultimately it's people's behavior that matters. The doctors discouraged casual gatherings during the holiday season as the metro is at a "crisis point."
Johnson County commissioners approve changes to emergency health order
In Johnson County, Kansas, commissioners passed a new set of COVID-19 guidelines after an hours-long meeting Friday.
Among the new rules is a requirement for establishments selling alcohol to close by midnight and remain closed for at least four hours.
The requirements also include guidance on high school and collegiate sports, as well as updated gathering limits.
Bar and restaurant owners told 41 Action News they are frustrated by the reduced hours, but are grateful it's not a complete shutdown.
Independence starts new government building restrictions Monday
In Independence, new hours at government buildings begin Monday in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19 among city staff.
More than 100 city staffers were quarantines after 20 positive COVID-19 tests. Mayor Eileen Weir said that's about 10% of the city's workforce.
Missouri's top health official acknowledges COVID-19 spike
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Director Dr. Randall Williams acknowledged the concerning increase in COVID-19 cases in the state over the weekend.
“Like the rest of the United States, Missouri is experiencing an increase in new cases of COVID-19," he said.
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