COVID-19 Highlights for the Week of 10/4/21:
What’s Happening?
- Although cases and hospital admissions are modestly declining, this is not the time to relax our efforts and mitigation measures; Communities within our region remain in high and substantial levels of transmission as defined by the CDC;
| Region | Low | Moderate | Substantial | High |
| Metro | 0 | 0 | 2 | 7 |
| N/S | 0 | 0 | 0 | 9 |
- Unfilled staff positions, especially Registered Nurses and Respiratory Therapists continue to be the biggest limiting factor in the healthcare system.
- Pediatric infections remain concerningly high. Studies and our experience show that masking in schools is an effective mitigation measure for COVID-19 as well as RSV and other respiratory infections (including seasonal flu).
- Local officials continue to review and to update current mandates.
- Influenza season in Kansas City Region has begun and vaccinations are underway for all age groups and can be safely received regardless of COVID vaccination timing or status.
What Can I Expect?
- Influenza has the potential to add an additional burden to healthcare facilities / hospitals on top of COVID.
What Can I Do?
- If you need COVID-19 testing performed, call your primary care physician or visit PrepareMetroKC to see testing locations near you. Emergency Rooms or Urgent Care should be reserved for those experiencing severe symptoms.
- Protect yourself, loved ones, and your community — get vaccinated, wear a mask, avoid crowds, stay home and do not send students to school if experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.
- Everyone should wear a mask in public indoor settings in areas of high and substantial transmission, per the CDC guidelines.
- Talk with your doctor about approved treatments if needed; treatment may include Monoclonal Antibody Infusion.
- Be a workforce vaccination leader — see COVID Stops Here
- Get a flu shot because it can reduce illness and stem the burden on our healthcare system.