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 May 19.
5:55 p.m. | There will be a drive-thru visitation for two Lansing Correctional Facility staff members who died last week from COVID-19 complications.
On Tuesday afternoon, the Kansas Department of Corrections said 761 inmates and 88 staff have tested positive for COVID-19. Four inmates also have died from complications related to the virus.
4:40 p.m. | COVID-19 has had “devastating impacts” on public health, the economy and state revenues, according to Missouri Gov. Mike Parson. He gave an update on the state's response to the pandemic at a news conference Tuesday afternoon.
4:30 p.m. | Doctors in the Kansas City metro are warning parents not to delay trips to the emergency room because of COVID-19 fears. Hospitals are taking steps to keep families safe from the coronavirus, including screening for symptoms and requiring patients and staff to wear masks.
3:39 p.m. | Best Buy stores in Independence, Lee's Summit, Liberty and St. Joseph as well as the Tiffany Springs location will begin to reopen for one-on-one consultations by appointment only. Curbside service for online sales also remains available.
3:20 p.m. | One new death from COVID-19 was reported Tuesday in Johnson County on the Kansas side and in Kansas City, Missouri, according to updated information from local and state health departments.
2:50 p.m. | Wyandotte County on Tuesday announced expanded COVID-19 testing and more pop-up testing sites in the next two weeks. Testing is free for Wyandotte County residents, who must meet certain criteria to be eligible. Those wanting to make an appointment should call 913-371-9298.
1:55 p.m. | Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly said her state will enter its second phase of reopening on Friday, with a few modifications to the original plan.
The gathering limit will be upped to 15, and more businesses will be allowed to open in Phase 2. Organized sports may also resume, given participants follow guidelines.
12:45 p.m. | Daily departures at the Kansas City International Airport are expected to fall by more than 100 in June 2020 compared with June 2019. The number of nonstop destinations also is projected to fall year-over-year.
12:20 p.m. | Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly will hold a press briefing at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday to discuss the latest updates in the state's response to COVID-19. On Wednesday, Kelly will travel to the White House to meet with President Donald Trump.
12:15 p.m. | Missouri plans to execute 64-year Walter Barton on Tuesday for the slaying of 81-year-old Gladys Kuehler in October 1991. The execution would be the first in the United States since the coronavirus pandemic began.
11:40 a.m. | Canada and the United States have agreed to extend their agreement to keep the border closed to non-essential travel to June 21 during the coronavirus pandemic.
10:15 a.m. | KC Water is urging businesses to flush water lines as they reopen. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, stagnant water can increase the growth of certain bacteria and can also lead to low or undetectable levels of disinfectant, such as chlorine.
10 a.m. | For those who have yet to receive a stimulus check, a program through the United States Postal Service could help track payments coming by mail. Informed Delivery sends user images of letter-sized mail arriving soon. For more information on setting up Informed Delivery, click here.
9:15 a.m. | For the first time in the state's history, the Missouri Governor's Mansion will be lit up on Wednesday evening to celebrate graduating high school seniors.
In a news release, Gov. Mike Parson and First Lady Teresa Parson said the Governor's Mansion will be lit at 8:20 p.m. for 20 minutes and 20 seconds.
"As grandparents to a graduating high school senior, we understand the heartbreak many seniors are going through. While this time may not be what you envisioned, there is still much to be celebrated,” the governor and first lady said in a joint statement. “We are cheering for each and every one of you, and we want to recognize and celebrate your accomplishments by lighting up the People’s House for the first time in its history. Congratulations class of 2020!”
8:44 a.m. | University of Kansas Health System officials gave their daily COVID-19 update.
8:32 a.m. | Children's Mercy officials confirmed the hospital has a second patient with the rare child illness associated with COVID-19 being called MIS-C.
8:08 a.m. | Evergy plans to donate $2.2 million to COVID-19 relief, which will include small business grants and help for customers paying energy bills.
7:42 a.m. | Dr. Dana Hawkinson with the University of Kansas Health System answered questions about why pools cannot open this summer.
7:30 a.m. | Just starting your day? We’ve got you covered with a quick look at what you need to know.
6:30 a.m. | Dr. Dana Hawkinson with the University of Kansas Health System explained that a downturn in new COVID-19 cases does not mean life can go back to normal.
5:30 a.m. | The city of Prairie Village voted Monday night not to pass an ordinance requiring masks inside buildings that was up for consideration.
5:15 a.m. | Federal authorities are urging governors to use “extreme caution” in deciding when to resume visits at nursing homes, saying it shouldn’t come before all residents and staff have tested negative for the coronavirus for at least 28 days.
5 a.m. | States are having issues with technology tracking COVID-19 cases. They include accuracy and security for apps tracking the location of people with positive cases of the virus for contact tracing purposes.
Previous coverage:
March 2020 updates
April 2020 updates
Friday, May 1
Saturday, May 2
Sunday, May 3
Monday, May 4
Tuesday, May 5
Wednesday, May 6
Thursday, May 7
Friday, May 8
Saturday, May 9
Sunday, May 10
Monday, May 11
Tuesday, May 12
Wednesday, May 13
Thursday, May 14
Friday, May 15
Saturday, May 16
Sunday, May 17
Monday, May 18
