KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Two people in Kansas City, Missouri, have tested positive for COVID-19, marking the city’s first confirmed cases, according to officials.
The Kansas City, Missouri, Health Department said the patients are a woman in her 40s and a man in his 30s.
Both are being isolated at their homes. The two cases appear to be unrelated.
The KCMO Health Department is working to determine if others who had contact with either person should be tested or isolated.
"We knew it was only a matter of time before one of our residents would learn they had COVID-19," KCMO Director of Health Dr. Rex Archer said in a news release. "With viruses, there are no borders. Everyone in the Kansas City metro area must be on guard. Leave your home only when absolutely necessary."
Mayor Quinton Lucas updated a state of emergency for the city earlier this week, which included a ban on events with more than 10 people. He plans to reevaluate those measures by April 1.
“I am saddened for Kansas Citians — and all — now suffering from COVID-19 directly and indirectly,” Lucas said in the release. “This shows the virus is spreading throughout our community. We know there will be more cases, but to reduce the spread I urge all residents to practice social distancing and to stay home except for essential needs. We will continue to update our community and get through this crisis together.”
City officials will give an update on the COVID-19 response at 4 p.m. Wednesday.
For the latest information on cases in Missouri and Kansas, click here.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
