KANSAS CITY, Mo. — We have been tracking the spread of COVID-19 in the Kansas City area since the start of the pandemic.
Whether it's stories about how we bounce back through our Rebound KC effort, important information as school resumes or critical information about the November election, trust 41 Action News to keep you informed.
Businesses finding unique ways to serve our community can share ideas and connect on our KC Open for Business Facebook group.
Updates on the spread of the virus and how it is affecting the metro can be found below for Sept. 16.
2:39 p.m. | For the second consecutive day, a record number of COVID-19 deaths were reported in Kansas.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment reported Wednesday that there have been 586 deaths from the virus in the state, an increase of 26 from Tuesday when a then-record 22 deaths were reported by local health departments across the state.
The state explained that "the increase in deaths from Monday’s report is attributed in part to reconciliation of vital statistics death records."
There have been 134 deaths reported through the first 16 days of September, shattering the record for a single month of 94 set in August.
12:30 p.m. | Elementary students in Olathe Public Schools will return to the classroom full-time later this month, the district said Wednesday.
Beginning Sept. 28, all elementary and early childhood students will begin in-person learning five days a week. The decision follows other districts in Johnson County that have recently announced a return to in-person learning for younger students. —AW
10:30 a.m. | Gov. Mike Parson has signed an executive order to extend the mobilization of the Missouri National Guard through Dec. 30 to continue deploying resources and assisting in the state's COVID-19 response efforts.
“The National Guard has played a major role in supporting state and community response efforts, including COVID-19 testing support, supply and equipment transportation, and meal distribution just to name a few,” Parson said in a news release Wednesday. “This Executive Order will allow the Guard to continue assisting the people of Missouri as we move forward.”
Parson signed the original order mobilizing the National Guard on March 27. It was later extended through Sept. 15. —AW
10:10 a.m. | Next week, Blue Valley North High School will be distributing supply packets and materials to students who need them for classes during remote learning. Families will drive through the school's bus loop, where staff will hand the materials directly to students without them leaving their vehicles.
Students will need to provide their name, their teacher's name and the class details. Everyone must wear masks.
The schedule for picking up items will be based on the student's last name. Sept. 21 will be an ODD day, and Sept. 22 will be an EVEN day.
Anyone who has a conflict with the assigned time should contact the main office at 913-239-3000 to make alternate arrangements after Sept. 22. —AW
8:49 a.m. | University of Kansas Health System officials gave their daily COVID-19 update. -KB
8:40 a.m. | The Big Ten announced they will playa fall football season after all. Games will begin the weekend of Oct. 23 and players will receive COVID-19 antigen testing every day. -KB
7:30 a.m. | Just starting your day? We’ve got you covered with a quick look at what you need to know. -KB
7:15 a.m. | Kansas City, Kansas, Public Schools students are learning online and district leaders say they have a plan to deal with issues of bullying and bad behavior.
School leaders explained they rely on a mix of training and technology to make sure issues are addressed and corrected. -KB
7 a.m. | A detailed look at COVID-19 deaths in U.S. kids and young adults released Tuesday shows they mirror patterns seen in older patients.
The report examined 121 deaths of those younger than 21, as of the end of July. Like older adults, many of them had one or more medical condition — like lung problems, including asthma, obesity, heart problems or developmental conditions. -KB
Previous coverage:
March 2020 updates
April 2020 updates
May 2020 updates
June 2020 updates
July 2020 updates
August 2020 updates
Tuesday, Sept. 1
Wednesday, Sept. 2
Thursday, Sept. 3
Friday, Sept. 4
Monday, Sept. 7
Tuesday, Sept. 8
Wednesday, Sept. 9
Thursday, Sept. 10
Friday, Sept. 11
Monday, Sept. 14
Tuesday, Sept. 15
