‘It’s not over’: Public health directors advise residents to know health risks and continue taking precautions

As more businesses open and activities gradually resume, public health directors from the nine-county Kansas City metropolitan area advise residents to continue to take precautions to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and protect those at highest risk of serious illness from the virus.

“Unfortunately, it’s not over! The Kansas City metropolitan region has seen a substantial increase in positive cases over the last couple of weeks,” said Dr. Rex Archer, director of the Kansas City, Missouri, Health Department. “If you’re in a high-risk category, all of the KC Metro public health directors recommend for you to stay home when possible. If you need to go out, remember to maintain social distancing practices and always wear a mask. People who live with high-risk individuals should consider the same precautions.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control, individuals 65 years and older or living in a nursing home or long-term care facility are at high risk for severe illness from COVID-19. People of all ages might also be at higher risk if they experience the following underlying medical conditions, particularly if not well controlled:

• People with chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma
• People who have serious heart conditions
• People who are immunocompromised
• People with severe obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 40 or higher)
• People with diabetes
• People with chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis
• People with liver disease

Public health experts also urge non-high-risk residents to protect others and help reduce the spread of COVID-19 by practicing social distancing, washing hands often, staying at home if you are sick, wearing a cloth face mask and frequently cleaning high-touch surfaces.

“Many people are starting to return to regular activities, which makes taking precautions even more important,” said Juliann Van Liew, director of the Unified Government Public Health Department. “As tempting as summer weather and activities may be, it’s important to remember that continued vigilance is necessary. We can all help slow the transmission of this disease.”

The metropolitan region currently has 7,065 cases and 231 deaths, according to the KC Region COVID-19 Resource Hub. The virus is predominately spread through person-to-person interaction. Residents can limit exposure by leaving home only when necessary, such as for work, medical care, to purchase groceries or medication, or to spend time outdoors.

“People are feeling pandemic fatigue. It’s understandable that we want things to go back to the way they were before this illness hit our community,” said Bridgette Shaffer, director of the Jackson County Health Department. “All of the important steps residents have
already taken have helped. We need to continue to be diligent until there is a vaccine.”

Visit PrepareMetroKC.org for more information about the risks associated with various activities and to find other COVID-19 updates.