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 on Tuesday reported 70 acute COVID-19 patients in the hospital, with 29 of those patients in the ICU and 14 on ventilators. In addition, 56 patients in the hospital are in recovery phases.
"We're holding steady, not vacillating too much," said Dr. Dana Hawkinson, infectious disease specialist. "Certainly not going higher, which is good, but we know that since last week, we have had a lot more admissions for active infections."
During the daily briefing, doctors also discussed some of the longer-term effects of COVID-19, including the loss of taste and smell. Dr. Steven Stites, chief medical officer, said it’s not uncommon for it to take "months" to recover from postviral illnesses, including COVID-19.
Kelly 'comfortable' with vaccine rollout
Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly said Monday that she’s “very comfortable” with the COVID-19 vaccine distribution process in the state, despite federal data that shows it has the lowest inoculation rate in the nation.
The state health department has said a lag in reporting vaccinations may be contributing to the data that shows Kansas behind other states, according to the Associated Press.
Kansas City hospitals begin 2nd dose of vaccine
Hospitals in the Kansas City metro began administering the second dose of the Pfizer vaccine to frontline workers who received their initial doses last month.
The second dose, known as a “booster,” is essential to the vaccine’s effectiveness. Still, people who get both doses should not consider themselves immune to the virus and should continue mitigation efforts, according to health experts.
Small businesses concerned going into 2021
Small businesses in the Kansas City area fear the worst is yet to come in 2021. They are urging elected officials to provide more relief and encouraging people to support local as much as possible.
Applications open for Kansas energy assistance program
Kansas residents who need help paying their heating bills this winter can apply to the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP). Applications will be open through March 31.
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