KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, continues to spread across the world, and in Missouri and Kansas.
Updates on the spread of the virus and how it is affecting the metro can be found below for March 17.
11:10 p.m. | United Auto Workers are expected to make an announcement regarding staffing and production at the 'Big Three' automotive dealers.
Clay County, Missouri, announced a state of emergency proclamation on Tuesday night.
41 Action News will continue following the latest coronavirus developments tomorrow.
8:22 p.m. | Grandview has closed all city facilities to the public until April 1. That includes City Hall, the DMV Licensing Office, the View Community Center, Grandview Parks and Recreation playgrounds, and the Grandview Parks and Public Works maintenance facilities.
8:12 p.m. | The Jackson County Health Department announced a second COVID-19 case, a man in his 40s who recently returned from international travel.
8:04 p.m. | Six members of the Kansas City, Missouri, City Council have self-quarantinedafter possible exposure to COVID-19 at a conference in Washington, D.C.
7:50 p.m. | North Kansas City announced "a Proclamation prohibiting all group activities of any gathering of 10 or more people in any restaurant, tavern, bar, professional, social, cultural, entertainment, or other special events where people are not separated by at least six feet" after a City Council meeting.
7:25 p.m. | MU Health Care confirmed the first positive COVID-19 test by a patient in its care and announced a plan to begin conducting drive-thru testing Wednesday.
7:19 p.m. | Johnson County health officials said six of the 11 confirmed cases so far are via local transmission.
7:15 p.m. | Jackson County Executive Frank White Jr. announced limited public access to county offices. The assessment, collection and recorder of deeds officers are closed to the public outside of scheduled appointments.
6:45 p.m. | Missouri Gov. Mike Parson discussed the state's measures in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, but he stopped short of ordering restaurants, bars and schools to close.
6:30 p.m. | KCK Public Schools, which are on spring break and had yet to announce plans beyond this week, will comply with the governor's order to cancel in-person classes for the remainder of the school year.
6:21 p.m. | The Wyandotte County District Attorney's Office announced a cutback in staffing except essential person. As such, all in-person meetings except with law enforcement or in prepration for an evidentiary hearing are canceled until further notice. Police and evidentiary reports for attorneys will remain available as usual.
6:04 p.m. | Missouri announced that 15 people have tested positive for COVID-19. There is one case in Jackson County and two in Cass County along with one in Henry and Boone counties. Four people have tested positive in Greene and St. Louis counties, while one person in St. Louis City and one in Cole County also have tested positive.
5:43 p.m. | Cerner announced that an associate had tested positive for COVID-19. Cerner's Realizations campus at 10234 Marion Park Drive in Kansas City, Missouri, was closed this afternoon for cleaning and disinfecting. The company had previously announced that any employees who can work remotely will do so until at least March 30.
5:40 p.m. | The Johnson County Department of Heath and Environment reported an 11th COVID-19 case in the county Tuesday afternoon, increasing the state's total to 19. Additionally, officials in Greene County, Missouri reported the fourth COVID-19 case in that county. The Missouri total now stands at 11 as of early Tuesday night.
5:09 p.m. | The superintendents of Johnson County schools issued a statement in support of Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly's decision to close schools for in-person classes for the remainder of the 2019-20 academic year.
5:08 p.m. | The Kansas Attorney General's Office and Kansas Bureau of Investigation will scale back on-site staffing, except what is needed for essential services in accordance with Gov. Laura Kally's directive.
4:56 p.m. | Hy-Vee announced that it will change store hours at its grocery stories, outsource delivery services and eliminate all dine-in options until further notice.
4:33 p.m. | Grandview City Hall and the DMV office will be closed to the public on Wednesday morning for the city's fire department to provide training to city staff. City Hall will open at 10 a.m.
4:28 p.m. | In a news conference Tuesday afternoon, Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly ordered all Kansas schools to cease in-person learning through the end of the school year.
4:23 p.m. | Leawood City Hall and other city buildings will be closed to public access until Tuesday, March 24th.
4:14 p.m. | Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead’s opening day has been pushed back from April 1 to April 11 at 9 a.m. in Overland Park.
4:10 p.m. | The 2020 Planet Comicon Kansas City has been rescheduled for Aug. 14-16, organizers announced Tuesday. In 2021, the event will be held April 16-18. Ticket holders can transfer their tickets to either the August 2020 or April 2021 event; or they can request a full refund.
4:02 p.m. | The The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) has activated a 24/7 phone hotline for the public or providers to receive information and guidance related to #COVID19. The phone number is 877-435-8411.
3:41 p.m. | The Kansas City Zoo said it will close beginning March 18 until April 1. All programs and events, public or private, are also suspended until that date. Staff will still report to care for the animals.
3:32 p.m. | Though Wayside Waifs has closed to the public, it will resume adopting animals by appointment. Those interested in adopting an animal must first look at the animals online and after finding one or two animals they are interested in, must then call 816-986-4426 to schedule the appointment.
3:18 p.m. | Wyandotte County officials said a private school student has tested positive for COVID-19. He is self-isolating at home.
2:47 p.m. | The Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health Department said Tuesday afternoon that a man in his 20s has tested positive for COVID-19. It marks the first case in Douglas County, and the state's 17th positive test overall.
Officials said the man had recently traveled from Florida.
2:30 p.m. | Johnson County says licensed child care facilities are encouraged to remain open under recommendation from the county and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. Parents should refrain from using "pop-up child care" as a result of school closures.
2: 25 p.m. | The Kansas Lottery will stop accepting in-person claims at its headquarters in Topeka beginning 8 a.m. Wednesday, March 18, through 5 p.m. Monday, March 30. Prizes of $599 or less can be claimed at other Kansas Lottery retailers across the state. For prizes of $600 or more, players should mail in their ticket or wait until the in-person process resumes.
2:20 p.m. | All Fareway stores and meat markets will be open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Saturday beginning Wednesday, March 18. The early closure will allow for additional cleaning and sanitation in stores and restocking efforts. For the first hour of each day, from 8-9 a.m., only shoppers 65 and over, expecting mothers, those with chronic medical conditions and anyone with an underlying medical condition will be allowed to shop in store.
2:10 p.m. | North Kansas City canceled tonight's Special Meeting and Work Session, which had been scheduled for 5:30 p.m. and 6 p.m., respectively. Agenda items have been moved to the 7 p.m. Regular Meeting, which will be open to the public but subject to Clay County Public Health Center's recommendations. The meeting will not be broadcast, because City Council members will not use the dais or microphones.
1:19 p.m. | Macy's will close all of its stores Tuesday at the end of business until the end of March. The closures include all Macy's, Bloomingdale's, Bluemercy, Macy's Backstage, Bloomingdales the Outlet and Market by Macy's stores. The company announced it will continue to provide benefits and compensation to its employees impacted by the closures.
1:10 p.m. | The Jackson County Health Department announced its first presumptive positive case of COVID-19, a woman in her 80s who contracted the virus locally as she had not traveled. The case was identified through a private lab.
12:57 p.m. | The University of Kansas has moved all classes online for the remainder of the spring semester. KU also announced that on-campus housing will be limited to residents who need to maintain a physical presence on the Lawrence campus.
12:39 p.m. | After the Overland Park Finance, Administration and Economic Development Committee at 7 p.m. Wednesday, the city is postponing all meetings until further notice.
12:37 p.m. | Gov. Mike Parson announced all Missouri casinos will be closed through March 30 to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
12:36 p.m. | The American Dental Association has recommended a suspension of all non-emergency dental procedures for at least three weeks.
12:05 p.m. | Merriam announced that all city offices are now closed to the public through at least noon on Sunday, April 5. The police department lobby remains open to the public for emergencies and city staff can still be reached by phone or email for essential services.
11:57 a.m. | The Missouri Democratic Party has canceled all in-person party events, meetings and fundraisers through at least May 1, though some may be conducted virtually when possible. All party offices are closed with staff working remotely during that time.
11:57 a.m. | The Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association voted unanimously Tuesday to canel all remaining spring sports for the 2020 season. All team activities, including practice, already had been suspended indefinitely and that prohibition remains in effect.
11:52 a.m. |KC Pet Project is asking for emergency foster families to help take care of shelter pets while the facility is closed due to COVID-19. They have also lowered adoption prices to $30 for dogs over 30 pounds and adult cats to alleviate strain on the shelter. Those looking to surrender a pet should also try to hold off until a later date to ease strain on the shelter.
11:48 a.m. | The Jackson County Election Board and 45 other counties in the Western Appellate District of Missouri have petitioned the court to postpone the April 7 election until June 2. There are 24 elections scheduled across Jackson County for April 7.
11:44 a.m. | The Platte County Health department has ordered all restaurants and food establishments to close dining rooms and dine-in service until April 1. Delivery, drive-through service and curbside pickup is permitted. The order doesn't apply to deli operations with no customer seating or take-away food options at convenience stores.
11:30 a.m. | Evergy is waiving late fees for customers who had been disconnected before last Friday and adding payment agreement options for homes and small businesses, which may be impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak. The electric utility announced last week that it wouldn't shut off service for missed payments until further notice.
11:28 a.m. | The Johnson County Department of Health and Environment has established a community hotline for members of the public with COVD-19 questions at 913-715-2819. Phones will be staffed from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday through Friday.
11:06 a.m. | Lee's Summit is following the county's guidance and will prohibit public gatherings of more than 10 people and close all restaurants, bars, taverns, clubs and movie theaters for 15 days.
11:03 a.m. | Blue Springs has closed all city facilities to the public, including the Public Safety Building that houses police. City employees will continue to work, but the public is encouraged to call 816-228-0110 or visit www.bluespringsgov.com to conduct business. Water shut-offs are suspended at this time and all public meetings are canceled until April 6.
11:03 a.m. | Douglas County is prohibiting all public gatherings of more than 50 people for the next eight weeks, a decision in line with an executive order issued by Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly. The county "also strongly recommends no public gatherings greater than 10 people."
11:01 a.m. | Fairway has restricted public access to all city facilities. All city-related travel beyond the Kansas City area is suspended as are Fariway Pool membership sales.
11 a.m. | Wyandotte County said two new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed, a woman in her 40s and a woman in her 50s. They were admitted to separate hospitals and have since been released. Both women are self-isolating at home, according to the county.
10:57 a.m. | Children's Mercy Hospital has suspended all on-campus volunteer programs until further notice.
10:55 a.m. | KC Parks and Recreation will close its community centers and museums through April 4. Parks will remain open from 5 a.m. to midnight each day. Events with more than 10 people will not be allowed in any parks or facilities until after May 15.
10:55 a.m. | KC Parks and Recreation will close its community centers and museums through April 4. Parks will remain open from 5 a.m. to midnight each day. Events with more than 10 people will not be allowed in any parks or facilities until after May 15.
10:50 a.m. | The KC Streetcar says it is operating with regular service but with "light ridership" in response to Mayor Quinton Lucas' amended emergency declaration limiting gatherings to 10 people or less. A spokesperson says the streetcar is also practicing social distancing on board and sticking to a "very stringent cleaning schedule."
10:50 a.m. | The KC Streetcar says it is operating with regular service but with "light ridership" in response to Mayor Quinton Lucas' amended emergency declaration limiting gatherings to 10 people or less. A spokesperson says the streetcar is also practicing social distancing on board and sticking to a "very stringent cleaning schedule."
10:28 a.m. | The Kansas Lottery has suspended the operation of all state-owned casinos starting at the end of business Tuesday and lasting through at least March 30. That includes Hollywood Casino in Kansas City, Crossing in Pittsburg, Star Casino in Mulvane and Boot Hill Casino in Dodge City.
10:24 a.m. | The Kansas City Symphony has canceled or postponed more concerts in the wake of the CDC recommendation to limit events to a maximum of 10 people.
10:24 a.m. | The Kansas City Symphony has canceled or postponed more concerts in the wake of the CDC recommendation to limit events to a maximum of 10 people.
- Cancelled: March 20-22 Schumann’s “Rhenish” and Beethoven’s Fourth Piano Concerto
- Cancelled: Wednesday, March 25 Classics Uncorked: One-Hit Wonders
- Postponed: March 26-28 ABBA the Concert: A Tribute to ABBA
- Cancelled: Wednesday, April 1 Free Symphony Happy Hour Concert: Chamber Music with Midori
- Cancelled: April 3-5 Beethoven’s Fourth Symphony and Midori Plays Dvořák
- Cancelled: Saturday, April 4 Petite Performance: Marching Music
- Cancelled: April 17-19 Prokofiev’s Second Violin Concerto and Beethoven’s Fifth
- Cancelled: Monday, April 20 Free Symphony Happy Hour: Chamber Music with Vadim Gluzman
- Cancelled: Saturday, April 24 Michael Bolton with the Kansas City Symphony
- Cancelled: Tuesday, April 28 Sounds Relaxing: Revitalize
- Cancelled: April 2020 KinderKonzerts: Yankee Doodle Went to the Symphony
- Cancelled: Tuesday, May 5 Free Symphony Happy Hour: The Bold and the Beethoven
- 10 a.m. | Two more cases of COVID-19 were reported in Johnson County, Kansas, bringing the county total to 10 and the state total to 14.
9:51 a.m. | A new case of COVID-19 was reported in Ford County, Kansas, bringing the state's total cases to 12.
9:45 a.m. | Metro school keep closing amid coronavirus fears. You can find a complete list here.
7:14 a.m. | Granite City Zona Rosa is offering free lunch to children in need. Anyone who needs the service can stop by or call the restaurant at 816-587-3838. The lunch will contain a sandwich, chips and a drink.
6:38 a.m. | Even though the UCM campuses are staying open despite switching to virtual classes, the Lee's Summit campus will close on March 17 and 18 for deep cleaning. The school is currently on spring break.
5:30 a.m. | The American Red Cross is experiencing a shortage in blood donations because of blood drives canceled due to COVID-19. Healthy donors are still invited to contact the Red Cross in order to make a donation.
5:15 a.m. | Starting March 23, after spring break, Platte County School District is closing schools through April 3.
5 a.m. | YMCA of Greater Kansas City locations are closed.
5 a.m. | YMCA of Greater Kansas City locations are closed.
