COVID News

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

May 9, 2021 

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. will express his support at Monday’s legislative meeting for “Our Healthy KC Eastside” (OHKCE), a community-based partnership and project to address vaccine hesitancy and health inequities in portions of Jackson County identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as having exceedingly high socially vulnerable index scores. The meeting on Monday, May 10 begins at 10:00 a.m. in the Legislative Assembly Area on the 2nd floor of the downtown Jackson County Courthouse.

Led by Dr. Jannette Berkley-Patton, Director of the UMKC Health Equity Institute, the OHKCE project proposes the use of $4,998,014 in CARES Act funding to implement its innovative efforts. The project is proposed to take place June 1, 2021 – November 31, 2021 with primary goals to significantly increase vaccination intake and the use of prevention health services.

Building on nearly two decades of large-scale collaborative community studies, the organizers will fully engage community members in the multi-sectoral COVID-19 education, communication and vaccination project. The OHKCE project will also tap the University of Missouri Kansas City’s, Truman Medical Center’s and the Black Health Care Coalition’s extensive experience in providing health services in community and medical settings on KC’s Eastside.

In addition to County Executive White and Dr. Berkley-Patton, the following project partners will be in attendance to speak on the importance of the OHKCE program:

  • Dr. Mauli Agrawal, Ph.D., Chancellor, University of Missouri-Kansas City
  • Charlie Shields, President and CEO, Truman Medical Centers/University Health
  • Rev. Eric D. Williams, Pastor, Calvary Temple Baptist
  • Dr. Mary Anne Jackson, Dean, UMKC School of Medicine and member of the National Vaccine Advisory Committee

These individuals, as well as the Chairman of the Jackson County Legislature, Dan Tarwater, will be available afterward for individual interviews with the media.  

 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 29, 2021

 KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Jackson County Executive Frank White Jr. – in consultation with Jackson County Health Department Director Bridgette Shaffer, MPH and Emergency Management Coordinator Troy Schulte – is amending the health order to reflect recent guidance from the CDC. The new order takes effect at 12:01 a.m. Friday, April 30, 2021. 

The protocols that will be revised beginning April 30 include:

  • Masking and social distancing are no longer required outdoors, although masking is recommended with medium to large gatherings.
  • Small gatherings, indoor and outdoor, of fully vaccinated individuals are permitted without restriction. Large gatherings are still discouraged at this time.
  • All persons, including those who are vaccinated, must still wear masks in public indoor settings.
  • Social distancing is no longer required indoors, although distancing is still recommended wherever possible. 

 “We are slowly restoring some normalcy in our daily lives by doing activities we love and enjoy without restrictions,” said Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. “With the science-based guidance of our health department, I am proud of the progress we have made together, as a community, to reach this point. Moving forward, we must remain vigilant in protecting one another from the virus, and we know the most effective way to do that is by getting vaccinated.”

“We thank the community for the sacrifices they’ve made over this past year to help control the spread of COVID-19 and keep each other safe,” said Jackson County Health Department Director Bridgette Shaffer, MPH. “The COVID-19 vaccines offer hope, but we are not out of the pandemic yet. We must continue to wear masks, avoid crowds, get tested when sick, and get vaccinated."

To sign up to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, visit the Jackson County Health Department website at https://jacohd.org/covid-vaccines.

Jackson County residents and businesses can find additional resources and information online at www.jacohd.org/coronavirus, by phone at (816) 404-6415, or via email at COVID19@tmcmed.org.

 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 26, 2021

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. – in consultation with Jackson County Health Department Director Bridgette Shaffer, MPH and Emergency Management Coordinator Troy Schulte – is announcing that in the coming days he plans to modify protocols to the current health order, particularly when it comes to those relating to capacity restrictions.

County Executive White stresses that while some of these restrictions are being eased, the mask mandate and social distancing protocols remain in effect. The new order takes effect at 12:01 a.m. Friday, April 9, 2021, the same day Phase 3 of the state’s vaccination plan is activated, which opens vaccine eligibility to all Missouri adults. 

“Over the past year, we have made tremendous strides to combat this pandemic and we don’t want to lose the progress that we’ve made,” said Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. “In order to do that, we must continue to wear face coverings and maintain our distance from others when in public spaces out of respect for those in our community who are waiting to be vaccinated. If we remain diligent in our prevention efforts, we will be one step closer to getting back some normalcy in our daily lives.”

“Our health department is focused on increasing education of the vaccines that are available, providing access to them, signing up as many residents as possible and getting vaccines in arms,” said Jackson County Health Department Director Bridgette Schaffer, MPH. “We look forward to receiving increased vaccine supply in the coming weeks to continue our commitment to public health and safety.”

The protocols that will be revised beginning April 9 include:

  • All essential and non-essential businesses, including gyms, fitness and recreation centers, can open at full capacity. Mask wearing and social distancing are required. 
  • Restaurants, bars and taverns can operate at full capacity to serve food and alcohol. Mask wearing and social distancing are required.
  • There are no capacity limits on gatherings. Mask wearing and social distancing are required.

To sign up to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, visit the Jackson County Health Department website at https://jacohd.org/covid-vaccines.

Jackson County residents and businesses can find additional resources and information online at www.jacohd.org/coronavirus, by phone at (816) 404-6415, or via email at COVID19@tmcmed.org.

 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 3, 2021

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. is announcing today a food assistance program that will provide funding awards to area food agencies in support of their efforts to minimize hunger amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Specifically, Ordinance 5483 authorizes $500,000 of federal CARES Act monies be allocated to County Executive White’s program, which allows eligible food agencies to purchase and distribute food and other necessities to Jackson County residents. Food agencies interested in receiving funding can apply and, if approved, receive an award amount of up to $30,000.

“The unanimous support of the County Legislature for this program is a clear indication that hunger is not a partisan issue, but an issue of humanity, dignity and compassion,” said Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. “Together, we remain steadfast in our commitment to provide any support we can to ensure our residents can take care of themselves and their families during this challenging time. No one should have to worry about where their next meal is coming from and it is my hope that making these dollars available will ease that burden for those in need in Jackson County.”

Starting today, food agencies can apply for funding using the online application on the Jackson County website. There, they can also find qualification and eligibility requirements. The deadline to apply for funding is March 3, 2021.

All recommendations for funding through the application process will be submitted to the County Legislature for final approval. Since the beginning of the pandemic, Jackson County has allocated $1.8 million to combat hunger in the community.

On March 27, Congress passed and the president signed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which established a new $150 billion Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) for state, county and municipal governments with populations of over 500,000 people to address necessary expenditures incurred due to the COVID-19 public health emergency. Accordingly, Jackson County received $122,669,998.30, which may only be used to cover costs that:

  1. Are necessary expenditures incurred due to the public health emergency with respect to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID–19); and
  2. Were not accounted for in the budget most recently approved as of March 27, 2020 (the date of enactment of the CARES Act); and
  3. Were incurred during the period that begins on March 1, 2020 and ends on December 31, 2021.[i]

[i] Congress recently adopted the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 extending the deadline for the expenditure of CARES Act funds. https://www.congress.gov/116/bills/hr133/BILLS-116hr133enr.pdf

 


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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 1, 2021 

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. has issued the following statement regarding today’s Legislature vote to extend the County’s mask mandate until November 22, 2021:

“Over the past several weeks we have made significant progress in reducing the spread of coronavirus by wearing masks. However, we have not yet reached the CDC threshold that would no longer categorize our community as a high or substantial area of virus transmission. Thanks to the community’s continued sacrifice and resilience, we are very close to where we need to be. But until then, it is important for everyone to keep wearing their masks in public indoor places to provide the most protection for our children, who will soon have the opportunity to get vaccinated.

“From the beginning, I have said I will trust and follow the science, as well as the CDC and health officials’ recommendations to determine how we move forward safely. These decisions have never been easy for me or the County Legislature and today, a majority of the members did what they believe is in the best interest of our community’s well-being. We will continue to analyze the data and provide the Legislature with all information necessary to ensure we can make informed, life-saving decisions together.” 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information, contact:
Mariah Cox, Communications Coordinator, PIO
 
JACKSON COUNTY, MO (Oct. 8, 2021) – Following the recent FDA authorization and CDC recommendation of Pfizer boosters for certain populations, the Jackson County Health Department opened up a new, permanent COVID-19 vaccine clinic located at 3651 NE Ralph Powell Road in Lee’s Summit. The clinic is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
 
The new clinic offers:
• 1st, 2nd, additional and booster doses of Pfizer
• 2nd and additional doses of Moderna
• Single-dose of Johnson & Johnson
 
Whether community members are looking for their first, second, additional, or booster dose, they can make an appointment in advance or walk into this clinic. Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are welcome until 3:30 p.m. Clinic information and appointment registration can be found at jacohd.org/booster-doses
 
The new clinic also features drive-up vaccinations to serve those who have trouble standing for long periods or walking unassisted. To request drive-up vaccination, individuals must make an appointment in advance. Those receiving their 2nd, additional, or booster dose must bring their COVID-19 vaccination record card to their appointment. As always, COVID-19 vaccination is free, and no ID or insurance is required. 
 
Booster doses are currently available to those who have already had two doses of the Pfizer vaccine 6+ months ago and who meet at least one of the following criteria:
• 65 years or older or living in a long-term care setting (these persons should receive the booster); 
• 50 to 64 years of age with an underlying medical condition (these persons should receive a booster);  
• 18 to 49 years of age with an underlying medical condition (these persons may choose to receive a booster); 
• persons who are 18 to 64 years of age who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of occupation or institutional setting (frontline medical workers, teachers and first responders) may choose to receive a booster. 
 
Additional doses are available to moderately to severely immunocompromised people 28 days after receiving their second dose of Pfizer or Moderna. 
 
Community members can find additional COVID-19 vaccination opportunities on the health department’s website
 
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The Jackson County Health Department’s mission is to offer services, provide programs and advocate for policies so that all people have a fair and just opportunity to be healthy. Find more information about how the health department is fostering a community where all people can live their healthiest lives at jacohd.org.
 
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 14, 2021

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. – in consultation with Jackson County Health Department Director Bridgette Shaffer, MPH and Emergency Management Coordinator Troy Schulte –  is announcing the expiration of the county health order. The order, which requires masks in indoor businesses and places of public accommodation, expired upon its signature this afternoon. 

The announcement follows the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s revision to its guidance for fully vaccinated individuals. The new guidance states that individuals who are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 can resume activities — both indoor or outdoor, large or small — without wearing a mask or social distancing. Exceptions to this new guidance include health care settings, correctional facilities, homeless shelters and public transportation. 

According to CDC, individuals are considered fully vaccinated: 

  • 2 weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or
  • 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine

“As I have said from the very beginning of this pandemic, Jackson County’s decisions will be led by science. In light of the most current information available, and in light of the CDC’s recommendations, we are rescinding our current health order today,” said Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. “While this is welcome news for many, we cannot forget that this virus is still present and poses a risk to our residents, especially those who are not fully vaccinated. People are still contracting COVID-19 and dying from it. We need everyone to take personal responsibility and get vaccinated so we can truly put this devastating virus behind us.”

“The science is clear – these vaccines are extremely effective in limiting community transmission and protecting the most vulnerable among us,” said Jackson County Health Department Director Bridgette Shaffer, MPH. “We encourage everyone age 12 and older to take advantage of this important tool to help us end the pandemic.”

Although the expiration of the order means that wearing masks indoors will no longer be mandated across the county, masks remain strongly recommended for individuals who are not fully vaccinated.

Businesses and other spaces continue to have the right to set their own mask requirements for entry. Jackson County Government and the Jackson County Health Department fully support the efforts of employers and organizations to protect their workers and customers when vaccination status cannot be determined. Masks will still be required in county buildings and facilities for staff and visitors until further notice.

While mask restrictions have lifted, other COVID-19 preventative measures remain in effect. Those who are not fully vaccinated and are identified as a contact of a positive case will still be required to quarantine for a 14-day-period, per the CDC’s guidance. Those who are fully vaccinated or have had COVID-19 within the past three months will be able to avoid quarantining after exposure to COVID-19 as long as symptoms do not develop. A copy of the expired order is attached.(PDF, 420KB)

 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 4, 2022

Changes align with recent guidance by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – In light of recently updated guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Jackson County will implement new COVID-19 mitigation policies inside its buildings and facilities. Starting Monday, March 7, mask wearing will not be required among staff and visitors, regardless of vaccination status. Weekly COVID-19 testing will remain in place for unvaccinated staff as well as temperature checks upon entering the county buildings and facilities.

These policy changes align with guidelines issued by the CDC, which is now using COVID-19 Community Levels to help communities decide what mitigation strategies to implement based on the latest data. Levels can be low, medium or high and are determined by looking at hospital beds being used, hospital admissions and the total number of new cases in an area. Today, the CDC categorizes Jackson County in the medium community level, under which mask-wearing is optional.

“Since the pandemic began nearly two years ago, I have said I will trust and follow the science, as well as the CDC recommendations to determine how we move forward. It is in that spirit we implement this new approach to help keep our community safe,” said Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. “Over the past several weeks we have made significant progress in reducing virus spread and stress on our hospital systems. The downward trend is encouraging, but I urge everyone to continue doing their part to protect each other by getting tested, vaccinated and boosted, and to remain respectful of those who still choose to wear a mask in public spaces.”

Throughout the pandemic the County has used a data-driven approach to make informed decisions relating to COVID-19 mitigation strategies. Data as of March 1 from the Jackson County Health Department, shows the following:

  • The 7-day average of daily new cases is 20.57 for the week of February 20. That’s down from 322.86 the week of January 23.
  • The percent positive is 5.09% for the week of February 20, down from 27.22% the week of January 23.
  • There are 101 daily average hospitalizations, a 12.9% decrease from the previous week.

Jackson County continues to encourage individuals in high-risk groups, such as the elderly and immunocompromised, to wear masks in public spaces to protect themselves and their communities from COVID-19. Additionally, anyone who feels ill should stay home.

The County’s COVID-19 mitigation policies are subject to change each week based on its community level as determined by the CDC. Staff and visitors will be notified of any changes on Friday, in advance of new requirements to take effect the following Monday. A copy of the County’s community-level based mitigation policies is attached.

 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MARCH 22, 2021

Kansas City, MO - The Jackson County Legislature today, passed Ordinance 5493 to help families throughout Jackson County who were evicted from their homes as of February 3, 2021 as adjudicated in cases by the 16th Circuit Court. These households were unable to pay current and past due rent and utility bills as part of the ongoing crisis due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The amount of $387,946.84 will immediately assist 152 people, with portions to help 87 people with Court costs and help 65 families to keep possession of their homes. These families may also qualify to get further assistance as there will be additional funds made available from the State of Missouri for rental assistance. These funds are part of the $11.5 million grant issued to Jackson County as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, which established a $25 billion Federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program for state, county and municipal governments. 

The Jackson County Legislature feels a duty to be responsive to the needs of all citizens of Jackson County and will continue to do so. During these times when there continues to be incredible amounts of suffering by families, friends, neighbors, schools and businesses, by no fault of their own, their is light at the end of the tunnel. That light comes in the form of the COVID-19 numbers coming down along with the number of hospitalizations and deaths associated with this pandemic. We also have at least 136 million additional federal dollars to help get our lives, schools and economy heading in the right direction that has just come into Jackson County with this last aid package.

 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 12, 2021

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Today, the Jackson County Legislature voted 5-4 to rescind the mask mandate for Jackson County, effective immediately. Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. and Health Department Director Bridgette Shaffer, MPH, are thankful for the community’s commitment to protecting each other through simple masking and vaccination.

“From the very beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, I have committed myself to empowering and supporting public health officials and medical experts. This morning, Jackson County’s public health officials, citing CDC guidance, recommended that our universal masking requirements remain in place due to our high level of community transmission. I supported their recommendation because I trust them to keep us safe and I believe science and facts matter,” said Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. “Unfortunately, a majority of the legislature voted to rescind the county’s masking requirement for everyone, including our school children. I would encourage all residents of Jackson County to do everything they can to protect themselves and each other.” 

While our collective action has resulted in tremendous progress in decreasing case rates, preventing unnecessary illness and death, and reducing the burden on our health care system, Jackson County remains at a “high” level of overall community transmission as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Based on the CDC’s designation and recommendations, the Jackson County community is encouraged to show compassion and care for those around them by continuing to wear a mask in public indoor settings until we reach a “moderate” level of community transmission. Find Jackson County’s current level of transmission here: https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#county-view

Businesses and other spaces continue to have the right to set their own mask requirements for entry. Jackson County Government and the Jackson County Health Department fully support the efforts of employers and organizations to protect their workers and customers when vaccination status cannot be determined. Masks will still be required in county buildings and facilities for staff and visitors until further notice.

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