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 28.
8:22 p.m. | A couple stationed at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri have spent their free time sewing masks for their squadron and to donate around the country.
Lauren and Ben Kram are both Air Force captains and pilots with the 393rd Bomb Squadron.
"Working from home only goes so far for pilots, so with the extra free time, I wanted to do something that would help others during this pandemic," Lauren said.
She taught her husband how to sew and consulted YouTube and hospital websites for design and safety specifications.
4:50 p.m. | Lee's Summit will reopen its outdoor pickleball, tennis and volleyball courts beginning Friday, May 29. Amenities might be modified to follow social distancing guidelines, according to the Lee's Summit Parks and Recreation Department. Anyone exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 should not use the amenities.
4:15 p.m. | Topgolf in Overland Park will reopen June 1.
3:42 p.m. | Independence Community Ice will reopen June 1 with enhanced cleaning protocols and the expectation that guests maintain social distancing. That includes for team sports activities, like hockey.
3:30 p.m. | Missouri Gov. Mike Parson announced Thursday that Phase 1 of his Show Me Recovery Plan will be extended through June 15.
The initial reopening phase, which began May 4, was set to expire Sunday.
Parson said the extension “aligns with our executive orders as well as the state of emergency.”
“We are very pleased with how Phase 1 has gone so far ...,” Parson said. “We are extending Phase 1, not because Missouri has taken a step back, but we want to be sure we are prepared for Phase 2.”
1:34 p.m. | The Blue Springs School District held graduation parades for students moving on from fifth grade, eighth grade and their senior year of high school. They shared videos of the events.
Check out some video highlights from graduation parades across the district last week, as BSSD celebrated 5th and 8th graders, along with high school seniors.
Congratulations to all of these students moving on to the next step!
Video: https://t.co/k795ruuEtT#WeAreBSSD pic.twitter.com/wxB50fPA9t
— Blue Springs Schools (@BSSDnews) May 28, 2020
12:30 p.m. | Kansas City, Missouri, Mayor Quinton Lucas says he will sign a new reopening order on Thursday that allows for any business in the city, whether essential or not, to open with 50% capacity restrictions. Lucas says the city has the authority to close or fine any business found in violation of capacity limits or social distancing rules.
Noon | The Kansas City VA Medical Center says it is taking health precautions at all of its clinics, including enhanced cleaning procedures; social distancing in waiting areas; and screening checkpoints. Everyone entering the facilities must wear a mask. If they do not have a mask, one will be provided for their visit.
11:50 a.m. | Playground equipment at publicly owned parks in Kansas City, Kansas, reopened over the Memorial Day weekend. Visitors are encouraged to practice social distancing and to sanitize their hands before and after using the equipment. Visitors should bring their own hand sanitizer to the parks.
9:36 a.m. | Raytown Municipal Court will resume on June 1. Masks are required and other safety measures have been put in place.
8:53 a.m. | University of Kansas Health System officials gave their daily COVID-19 update.
7:39 a.m. | Last week, 2.1 million Americans filed for unemployment. That brings the 10-week total to over 40 million.
7:34 a.m. | CVS is opening 22 new COVID-19 test sites in Missouri on Friday. Those with symptoms can visit the pharmacy drive-thru, where staff will hand them a self-swab kit and watch to make sure it is done correctly. You must register in advance online if you need a test.
The Kansas City area locations are listed below.
- CVS Pharmacy, 3201 South 7 Highway, Blue Springs, MO 64014
- CVS Pharmacy, 1545 East 23rd Street South, Independence, MO 64055
- CVS Pharmacy, 17301 East US 24 Highway, Independence, MO 64056
- CVS Pharmacy, 1315 West 23rd Street, Independence, MO 64052
- CVS Pharmacy, 4149 North Oak Trafficway, Kansas City, MO 64116
- CVS Pharmacy, 13101 State Line Road, Kansas City, MO 64145
- CVS Pharmacy, 4990 Northeast Vivion Road, Kansas City, MO 64119
- CVS Pharmacy, 4750 Lees Summit Road, Kansas City, MO 64136
- CVS Pharmacy, 3351 SW 3rd Street, Lees Summit, MO 64081
- CVS Pharmacy, 1301 Platte Falls Road, Platte City, MO 64079
- CVS Pharmacy, 1215 West Foxwood Drive, Raymore, MO 64083
- CVS Pharmacy, 5310 Blueridge Boulevard, Raytown, MO 64133
7:30 a.m. | Just starting your day? We’ve got you covered with a quick look at what you need to know.
7:13 a.m. | The Overland Park Arboretum will reopen to members on June 10. Concessions and drinking fountains will not be open.
6:45 a.m. | The Kansas City Board of Elections is in need of poll workers for upcoming elections. The average age of a poll worker is 75, which is in the range to be more susceptible to COVID-19. Because of that, fewer people are volunteering to work the polls.
5:35 a.m. | The Lousiburg, Kansas, City Council voted Tuesday night to open the city's pool for the summer. They estimate the pool will be ready to go in about two weeks. Guests will have to follow social distancing guidelines but will not be required to wear a mask, and neither will staff. One major change is no deck chairs will be available due to sanitation needs. Guests will have to bring their own.
5:15 a.m. | The Kansas City VA Medical Center Mobile Food Pantry will host a food-drive in partnership with Harvesters from 1 to 3 p.m. on Thursday at KCVA Honor Annex, 4251 Northern Avenue. Veterans will be asked to wait in their cars and staff will bring food items to them. The items will be provided at no cost.
5 a.m. | Free boxes of fresh fruit, vegetables and dairy will be available to pick up at the Osage Trail Middle School, 2101 N. Twyman Road in Independence, between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Thursday.
The Fort Osage School District Education Foundation, Fort Osage Food Service Department and Liberty Fruit partnered to offer the food over the next six weeks through the USDA’s Food to Families Program.
There is a limit of one 20-pound box per car. Individuals must remain in their vehicles, and boxes will be loaded into their trunk or back seat.
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
Sunday, May 17
Monday, May 18
Tuesday, May 19
Thursday, May 21
Wednesday, May 20
Thursday, May 21
Thursday, May 21
Friday, May 22
Saturday, May 23
Sunday, May 24
Monday, May 25
Wednesday, May 27
Wednesday, May 27
