Kansas City, MO – The public health officers of six counties that make up the Kansas City Metro issued a joint "call to action" urging new restrictions to stem the spread of COVID-19.
The joint statement was issued Friday through the Mid-America Regional Council.
While the statement stopped short of containing a public health order, the officials, including directors of the Kansas City, Missouri, Johnson County, Kansas, and the Jackson, Clay, Wyandotte and Platte County health departments signed the statement saying each municipality should consider new public health orders to stop uncontrolled community spread.
They suggest the cities and towns in the KC Metro consider, at a minimum: continued and consistent mask mandates - the limitation of social gatherings - the closure of bars and restaurants by 10 p.m. each evening or the implementation of greater occupancy limits - additional limits on entertainment venues and sporting events and requiring businesses and organizations to ensure social distancing.
"As Health Department Directors and Health Officers representing the health departments of the Kansas City region, we fully understand the impact that stay-at-home orders have on our local economy. However, COVID-19 transmission cannot continue to rage out of control in our community given the severe strain on our health and medical systems," the statement reads, in part.
Officers said in the statement that COVID-19 is surging in our communities, and the area is facing an increased demand in testing, a lag in test turnaround time and serious challenges for area hospitals.
"Our community is at a critical point again with uncontrolled community spread. Our local governments and public health authorities need to take actions aimed at controlling the further spread of the disease," the statement reads.
"If the number of positive cases are not reduced and hospital capacity cannot be improved, additional action may be warranted," officials said in the statement. "Local officials will be monitoring disease and hospital data over the next several weeks, knowing that Thanksgiving and other holidays pose even greater risks of uncontrolled gatherings of people with the potential to cause further spread of the disease."
The directors are asking the following of metro-area residents: Avoiding in-person interactions, including working from home and conducting business virtually when possible, wearing masks everywhere except with your individual household, avoid gatherings of more than 10 people, self-quarantining after participating in large gatherings such as weddings, parties and funerals and ensuring proper social hygiene, mask-wearing and social distancing.
"We urge everyone to take these steps now to give us a chance to avoid more drastic orders," officials said. "Do it for your community, for your friends and for your family."
