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.
If you are a business finding unique ways to serve our community, check our KC Open for Business Facebook group to share your ideas.
Updates on the spread of the virus and how it is affecting the metro can be found below for August 6.
8:53 p.m. | The Lee’s Summit R-7 School District will have its first day of school on Sept. 8.
The district will determine whether instruction will be virtual or in-person, based on guidance from the Jackson County Health Department, according to Executive Director of Public Relations for the district Katy Bergen.
The rate of community spread of COVID-19 needs to improve or the health department will recommend all students get virtual instruction to begin the school year.
Bergen said the district will rely on the health department to determine when it would be safe to allow students back in the school buildings.
7:21 p.m. | Kansas House Speaker Ron Ryckman Jr. tested positive for coronavirus last month.
A spokesman for Gov. Laura Kelly said Thursday that she will get tested because she was in a meeting later with Ryckman and other legislative leaders.
Ryckman said he began self-isolating at home after he was notified July 10 that he’d had contact with someone who might have the virus.
He said he tested positive on July 13 and began experiencing symptoms that led him to be hospitalized later for a week.
5 p.m. | The Jackson County Health Department says 200 people may have been exposed to COVID-19 after one person tested positive following services at Courageous Life Church, 17310 E. U.S. 40 in Independence.
The health department says anyone who attended services at the church on July 26 should get tested and self-quarantine until Aug. 9. Jackson County residents can go online to find a community testing clinic.
The health department warned that it has recently seen cases stemming from large gatherings, including church services and parties. It said residents should "seek alternatives such as online services or virtual hangouts."
200 people were exposed on 7/26 at Courageous Life Church. If you were there, seek testing.
— Jackson County Health Department (@JacksonCountyHD) August 6, 2020
Recently, we’ve seen cases associated with large gatherings such as church services & parties. Seek alternatives such as online services or virtual hangouts.https://t.co/59eLjLKkZB
3:32 p.m. | Missouri Job Centers are slowly reopening to help displaced workers find employment.
The Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development announced the office in St. Joseph is now reopened.
People who are interested in the department's services must make an appointment before going to the building.
Virtual services can also be found here.
12:30 p.m. | Kansas added seven COVID-19 deaths Thursday: four in Johnson County, two in Wyandotte County and one in Douglas County.
The state also surpassed 30,000 cases of the virus.
12:03 p.m. | The Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead will not open in 2020 due to COVID-19. The farmstead plans to reopen in 2021.
The safety and health of our visitors, staff and animals is always our top priority. For that reason, we've come to the difficult decision that the Farmstead will not open this year. Learn more on our website: https://t.co/OraDy778FH
We can't wait to see you in 2021! pic.twitter.com/QVkvbA89O7
— Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead (@drcfarmstead) August 6, 2020
10:20 a.m. | More than 100 Johnson County, Kansas, residents have now died from COVID-19 since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic.
On Thursday, the Johnson County, Kansas, Department of Health and Environment reported four new COVDI-19-related deaths. With the new deaths, the county’s death toll now stands at 102.
More than 5,400 Johnson County residents have tested positive for the disease.
10:06 a.m. | Organizers from the Kansas City Irish Fest have announced details for this year's "Fest Where You Are" festival, over Labor Day weekend.
People will have the chance to attend both virtual and in-person events, including a two-hour benefit concert.
The concert will take place on Saturday, Sept. 5, at 7 p.m.
"Attendees are encouraged to tune in from wherever they are comfortable whether it is a patio party, their living room or a local pub," organizers said in a press release.
You can find full details for this year's festival here.
8:49 a.m. | University of Kansas Health System officials gave their daily COVID-19 update.
7:20 a.m. | Just starting your day? We’ve got you covered with a quick look at what you need to know.
6:50 a.m. | Dr. Dana Hawkinson answered questions about COVID-19 and flu season.
5:25 a.m. | The Centers for Disease Control has issued new guidance for employers, giving them various situations they may come across and how they should decide to test their employees for COVID-19.
5 a.m. | The city of Mission, Kansas, is holding a "Bring Your Own Baby Pool" event in lieu of the public pool being open. Residents can bring a kiddie pool on Thursday. Participants must sign up and drop off their pool to be filled and socially distanced by public works. The "pool party" will take place from 4:30-7 p.m.
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
