The largest county in Kansas has reported a record number of new COVID-19 cases, and its health director says the spread of misinformation is a significant factor in the spike in cases. The Kansas City Star reports that Johnson County health officials confirmed 287 new cases on Friday, along with two additional deaths.
Dr. Sanmi Areola, director of the county health department, says the spread of misinformation is proving problematic and contributes to the spread of the virus. He says rhetoric promoting herd immunity and suggesting masks don't work are hurting efforts to combat the pandemic.