KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Leaked information from the White House's pandemic task force to NBC News shows Kansas City, Missouri, is on the list of locations to watch.
Last week, the number of new COVID-19 cases nearly doubled.
“The fact that this had to be kind of a leaked document, this is the kind of thing that we should have been getting from CDC on a regular basis and the muzzling of CDC has been part of why this outbreak is not under control right now in the U.S.," said Dr. Rex Archer, Kansas City, Missouri, Public Health Director.
Archer told 41 Action News he was not shocked the metro area made the list.
“What’s not clear is, what difference does that make in regards to getting any funds to prevent the problem?" Archer said.
Kansas City has not received any federal funding, which Archer said has prevented the health department from hiring positions he feels are critical in stopping the spread of the virus.
Kansas City did not receive any direct federal funding from the Cares Act because it does not meet the population threshold. Jackson, Platte, Clay and Cass counties did, and the city is working to share funds with the counties.
As far as new cases go, Archer attributed them to outbreaks, as well as an increase in coronavirus testing.
Kayla Parker, of Jackson County Health Department, said there has been increased testing, as well as a partnership with Truman Medical Center.
“There definitely have been more tests available, so you’re going to see that number going up," Parker said.
As reopening phases begin, experts say washing one's hands, staying home when sick and social distancing will be more important than ever.
“All those things that we know people have been hearing for months now, but they’re more important than ever as we go out and start that opening process," Parker said.
