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
Kansas City, Missouri, Mayor Quinton Lucas was a guest on the University of Kansas Health System’s daily briefing Tuesday.
Lucas said he is “absolutely confident” public health orders recently issued in KCMO would survive legal challenges.
The doctors reported 138 COVID-19 patients in the hospital Tuesday — 93 of which have active COVID-19 infections.
Among the COVID-19 patients, 44 are in the intensive care unit and 23 are on ventilators
COVID-19 timeline: Why tests and timing matter
As many people wonder if it’s safe to travel for the holidays, 41 Action News took a look at COVID-19’s timeline in the body.
The conclusion: Even if you test negative, it may not mean you’re COVID-free and safe to see family.
If you don’t have enough viral load in your system, you could test negative early on in the infection but become contagious three to five days after contracting the virus.
Lab capacity a concern as demand for tests soars in KC metro
Demand for testing in the Kansas City region is increasing as the holidays approach.
The area averages around 8,000 tests per week.
Kansas City, Missouri, Health Department Deputy Director Frank Thompson said the increasing demand could result in some of the same strains on testing results seen earlier in the pandemic.
Kansas Gov. Kelly requests continued use of National Guard amid pandemic
Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly has asked President Trump for federal approval of an extension on the state’s use of the National Guard to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
An extension would enable the state to continue its testing, supply distribution and economic recovery efforts.
Miami County votes to adopt governor's mask mandate
The Miami County Board of County Commissioners voted 3-2 to adopt Kelly’s mask order.
The order went into effect in the county at midnight. It requires that masks be used in indoor public spaces and other places where 6 feet of social distancing isn’t possible.
Cass County follows Gov. Parson, makes COVID-19 recommendations
Case County leaders are encouraging residents to follow state guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Though it stopped short of passing any requirements, the board said the county was at “extreme risk” and prevention comes down to individual responsibility.
KC metro fire departments stress public responsibility amid COVID-19 pandemic
As area fire departments are taking extra precautions to protect their first responders, union representatives are asking governors to give firefighters, EMTs and paramedics priority for distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine.
Though supplies of PPE are stocked, first responders are still at high risk for contracting the virus.
Website lists Kansas City-area COVID-19 testing locations
The Mid-America Regional Council wants to make it easier for Kansas City-area residents to find a place to get tested for COVID-19.
The council has prepared a website with information on testing at clinics, health departments, hospitals and free community events.
University of Kansas extends fan absence at games
There won’t be any fans at University of Kansas games through at least the first week of December, KU announced Monday.
That timeline includes the men’s basketball team’s first two home games of the season.
After the first week of December, fan presence at games will be determined on a week-by-week basis, university officials said.
Positive COVID-19 tests at Arkansas postpone MU game
Due to positive COVID-19 tests at the University of Arkansas, Missouri’s football game scheduled for Saturday has been postponed.
The team’s game against Vanderbilt, previously postponed as well, will kick off at noon Saturday instead.
UMKC to receive $1.9M to study COVID-19 testing in underserved communities
The University of Missouri-Kansas City has been granted nearly $2 million to study the effects of church-based efforts to improve COVID-19 testing, focusing primarily on the Black community.
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