KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, continues to spread across the world, and in Missouri and Kansas.
41 Action News is keeping track of all closings and cancellations, as well as tracking where positive coronavirus cases are located.
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Updates on the spread of the virus and how it is affecting the metro can be found below for Aug. 18.
5:45 p.m. | Missouri surpassed 70,000 total COVID-19 cases on Tuesday after reporting an additional 1,185 new cases, bringing the statewide total to 70,563. The state also reported 15 additional deaths, which brings the total deaths to 38 over the last two days, the most for a two-day span since 42 deaths were reported between Aug. 6-7.
Kansas, which does not provide statewide data on Tuesdays, reported an additional 113 cases and one new death.
In the seven-county Kansas City metro, 294 new cases were reported and nine additional deaths, including five in Jackson County and two each in Cass and Clay counties. Four of the Jackson County deaths came from Kansas City, Missouri. —AW
5:27 p.m. | At least 13 members of a Kansas State University fraternity have tested positive for COVID-19, according to the Riley County Health Department.
The members are a part of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity at K-State.
Health officials say they are working with university and Greek life officials on the outbreak. —DM
3:30 p.m. | While the decision to return to school, open with a hybrid option or offer completely virtual learning will be up to each Johnson County, Kansas, school district, the decision is pretty clear to officials at the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment.
In a letter to Johnson County families that was released as part of a meeting between JCDHE officials and leaders of the counties school districts, JCDHE Director Dr. Sanmi Areola said the county has not met the threshold in the school gating criteria “for a safe return to in-person learning, even under a hybrid model.”“Our responsibility to lead efforts to promote and improve the health of every member of this county is one we take seriously,” Areola said. - SH
2:54 p.m. | The Kansas City Veterans Affairs Medical Center says free COVID-19 testing will be available for veterans on Aug. 29 at the American Legion located at 733 E. Young Ave. in Warrensburg.
Veterans interested in the testing must take a DD Form 214 and a picture ID to enroll.
The testing will be available to the first 300 veterans who arrive at the facility. —DM
2:30 p.m. | Dr. Deborah Birx, the White House coronavirus task force coordinator, visited Missouri on Tuesday, part of her recent multi-state tour that included Kansas over the weekend. Birx urged Missouri residents to wear masks, even outdoors, and refrain from holding large gatherings. She said she suggested to Gov. Mike Parson, who has been reluctant to issue a statewide mask order, to implement the mandate in any county with more than 20 confirmed cases.
Parson, for his part, said that he supports local jurisdictions that already have mandated mask usage. —AW
12:40 p.m. | Kansas State University has provided details for fans planning to attend football games this fall at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. While tailgating will be banned, there will be beer and wine available for purchase in general seating areas of the stadium. Masks will be required throughout the games, and hand sanitization stations will be placed around the stadium.
K-State said Monday that it will allow 25% capacity at football games. —AW
12:15 p.m. | Kansas businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic can begin to apply for a number of grants through the state on Wednesday, Aug. 19.
Gov. Laura Kelly said in a news release that more than $130 million in grant funding is available for businesses that meet certain criteria. The grants are funded through the federal CARES Act.
“This is an opportunity to revitalize our economy and for businesses to receive some necessary relief,” Kelly said. “I strongly encourage business owners to apply first thing Wednesday if they are eligible.”
Businesses can begin applying at noon Wednesday by going to kansascommerce.gov/covidrelief. —AW
11:25 a.m. | Victorious Life Church in Kansas City, Missouri, says free COVID-19 testing will be part of its Community Weekend event later this month.
The testing will be held on Thursday, Aug. 27, in partnership with Heart to Heart International. Those interested in the testing can sign up online.
The weekend also will include a drive-thru food drive, diaper giveaway and school supply drive. For more information, visit the church's website. —AW
10:28 a.m. | The regularly scheduled game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Kansas City Royals Tuesday night at Kauffman Stadium has been postponed.
During the weekend, a Reds player tested positive for COVID-19, leading to the postponement of the team’s Saturday and Sunday games against the Pittsburgh Pirates. - SH
9:29 a.m. | The SEC released guidelines for their schools as the conference plans to move forward with fall sports and have fans in attendance at games. The main highlights include requirements for mask-wearing at all games and requirements for social distancing in all entry, concession and other lines at venues. All concession stands will have plastic barriers installed and employees should wear shields and masks.
Attendance capacity will be left to the determination of each individual school. -KB
8:39 a.m. | University of Kansas Health System officials gave their daily COVID-19 update and talked about developments in saliva testing for the virus. -KB
7:30 a.m. | Just starting your day? We’ve got you covered with a quick look at what you need to know. -KB
7:15 a.m. | Kansas schools in the metro say for the most part, the first day of fall practices went smoothly despite new precautions in place for COVID-19 safety. The Johnson County Department of Health and Environment will meet with school leaders on Tuesday to discuss logistics for athletic competition. - KB
7 a.m. | A few free COVID-19 testing events are available this week in Jackson County. There is one happening from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday at Metro Christian Fellowship Church in Grandview. The other is happening from 10 a.m. to 20 p.m. Thursday at Old Fire Station #3 in Lee's Summit. Testing is available to anyone with or without symptoms and those interested can register online. - KB
Previous coverage:
March 2020 updates
April 2020 updates
May 2020 updates
June 2020 updates
July 2020 updates
Monday, August 3
Tuesday, August 4
Wednesday, August 5
Thursday, August 6
Friday, August 7
Monday, August 10
Tuesday, August 11
Wednesday, August 12
Thursday, August 13
Friday, August 14
Monday, August 17
