#TOGETHERLS
Welcome to the Covering COVID-19 Community Briefing
This twice-monthly digest of information will help keep you up to date as we work together to battle the COVID-19 pandemic. This briefing will provide:
- state and county health updates and measures the City is taking to keep residents as safe as possible
- reliable and factual information sources to use when seeking facts about this public health crisis
- reminders about things happening in our community and ideas to keep you entertained
Chief Medical Officers Brief Lawmakers
Concern About Bed Capacity & Surge in COVID-19 Cases
Chief medical officers from the University of Kansas Health System, Liberty Hospital, North Kansas City Hospital, Truman Medical Centers, St. Luke's Health System and Advent Health/Shawnee Mission urged lawmakers in a briefing last week to help convey to the public their role in slowing the transmission of COVID-19. The chief medical officers raised concerns about capacity at local hospitals, pointing out that the number of patients being treated at area hospitals is climbing and the number of staff exposed to COVID-19 is impacting staff availability. Health officials fear they will soon have to deny transfers from rural hospitals and scale back on elective procedures.
The chief medical officers want the public to know that it is imperative to follow these simple infection prevention rules:
- wear a mask
- physically distance from those not in your household (six feet or more)
- stay home if you are sick
- avoid large indoor gatherings practice good hand hygiene
What to Consider Before Going Out
As we see COVID-19 cases continue to rise, the CDC is asking everyone to think about a few questions before going out:
- How many people will you interact with?
- Can you social distance?
- Will you be outdoors or indoors?
- How long will you be interacting with other people?
If you do plan to go out, the CDC says to make sure you have a mask, tissues and hand sanitizer.
COVID-19 Vaccination Update
A significant announcement this week is offering hope we could see at least limited distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine by the end of the year. According to preliminary results, Pfizer’s vaccine candidate is more than 90 percent effective at preventing COVID-19. Pfizer says it’s continuing to collect data and the efficacy percentage could change. The company hopes to apply for emergency use authorization later this month and projects it will produce up to 50 million vaccine doses by the end of 2020 and up to 1.3 billion doses in 2021.
Distribution of the vaccine could prove challenging. The vaccine requires twoshots, 21 days apart. The vaccine must also be shipped and stored at an extremely low temperature. Missouri is preparing for the distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine. Randall Williams, director of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, said health care workers and long-term care facility workers would receive the vaccine first when doses are limited. As more doses are produced, he anticipates every Missourian would be able to get a vaccine by April.
Warning About Winter Sports
The Jackson County Health Department updated its school guidance on indoor extracurricular activities including winter sports. “The chance of widespread transmission and/or exposure in schools is higher if these activities are performed, especially when spectators are allowed.” The department noted it may be harder to take proper precautions with indoor sports such as basketball and wrestling and also warned about activities like choir, band and theater performances. If winter sports are allowed, the Jackson County Health Department recommended limiting spectators or not allowing them at all.
COVID-19 Quick Updates
U.S. surpasses 10 million confirmed COVID-19 cases
FDA grants emergency use authorization for Eli Lilly's COVID-19 antibody treatment
Dealing with Burnout
Let’s be honest, there’s A LOT going on in the world right now. The pandemic has transformed how we live our lives, how we work and even how we enjoy the holidays. It’s understandable if you’re feeling a little burned out given everything happening. The Jackson County Health Department is sharing tips to help you deal with burnout if you are feeling overwhelmed.
What to Do if You Have Symptoms of COVID-19
If you have one or more of the following symptoms of COVID-19:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
Follow the steps below. However, if you have any emergency warning signs (such as trouble breathing) seek emergency medical care right away.
1) Stay Away from Other People
- Stay home (except to get medical care).
- Keep apart from others in your household as much as possible.
- Use a separate room and bathroom, if possible.
- Wear a face mask over your nose, mouth and chin if you need to be around others. You do not need to wear one if you are in a room alone.
- Ask friends or family to do grocery runs or other errands on your behalf.
- Tell your close contacts that you have been feeling ill and it's possible they may have been exposed to COVID-19.
2) Monitor Your Health
- Keep an eye on your symptoms.
- Follow all instructions given to you by your health care provider.
- Call ahead before visting a doctor, or meet via telehealth.
3) Keep it Clean
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue and then throw the used tissue away in a lined trash can. Then wash your hands immediately.
- Wash your hands well and often with soap and water.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Clean high-touch surfaces daily, especially in the room and bathroom you’re using.
- Do not share personal items.
4) Get Tested
Source: Jackson County Health Department
COVID-19 is a complex illness that might require ongoing clinical care after being hospitalized. A new investigation of more than 100,000 patients discharged after being hospitalized for COVID-19 finds that 9% of these patients were readmitted to the same hospital within two months of being discharged.
COVID-19 Dashboards
Mid-America Regional Council COVID-19 Dashboard
Upcoming COVID-19 Testing Sites
Thursday, November 12 | The View Community Center, 13500 Byars Rd, Grandview
Friday, November 13 | Vesper Hall, 400 NW Vesper St., Blue Springs
Monday, November 16 | 616 NE Douglas St., Lee's Summit
Tuesday, November 17 | The View Community Center, 13500 Byars Rd, Grandview, MO 64030
Wednesday, November 18 | Vesper Hall, 400 NW Vesper St., Blue Springs, MO 64014
Need to Get Tested in Lee's Summit?
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) is holding FREE COVID-19 testing events at the former water treatment facility located at 616 NE Douglas St. Testing events are every Thursday and Friday until December 12. This location has up to 500 appointments available each day. Registration is required.
Both symptomatic and asymptomatic persons can be tested. Testing will be conducted using a self-administered nasal swab that allows you to swab your own nose, supervised by trained medical volunteers.
- Thursday, November 12
- Friday, November 13
- Thursday, November 19
- Friday, November 20
Need a Flu Shot?
Childrens Mercy is offering free drive-thru flu shot clinics throughout the community. Visit their website to see the full schedule. No appointment needed.
Are You a Daycare Provider?
CARES Act Funding to Assist Daycare Providers
The Department of Health and Senior Services, Section for Child Care Regulation has been allocated $10 million in COVID-19 relief funds to reimburse child care providers (licensed, license-exempt, and exempt from licensure) for additional costs associated with necessary COVID-19 expenses. The maximum allowed is based on provider categories which can be found in the FAQ’s. Providers must have a Department Vendor Number (DVN) to qualify for COVID-19 relief funds reimbursement. – DEADLINE NOVEMBER 15.
IGNITE THE FUTURE NOW!
Join your neighbors during the week of November 16 to influence the future of living, working and playing in Lee’s Summit. This is an important opportunity to connect and interact (virtually) with your community as we develop together the Lee’s Summit Comprehensive Plan.
We want to hear from you! Weigh in on vital community topics like transportation, economy, housing, infrastructure, quality of life and the environment. As a workshop participant, you will join small, online breakout groups and provide your feedback on questions like:
- How can we maintain our quality neighborhoods while providing a range of housing choice?
- Where do we concentrate economic activity?
- What are our transportation needs of the future?
Workshops will be held by City Council District using Zoom. All meetings begin at 6 p.m.
- District 1: Monday | Nov. 16
- District 2: Tuesday | Nov. 17
- District 3: Wednesday | Nov. 18
- District 4: Thursday | Nov. 19
If you are unable to attend the night of your district workshop, you may participate another evening.
Lee’s Summit Airport Virtual Open House
The Lee’s Summit Municipal Airport is preparing for the next phase in its history and wants your help! The airport is in the process of updating its Master Plan and Business Plan, which will define goals and objectives and establish a strategy to guide airport development for the next 20 years.
Get involved in the planning process right now by participating in a 3D virtual open house. There are eight stations, featuring exhibits and audio recordings that break down demand projections, facility requirements and progress on both plans. Get involved today!
Postcards From Santa
Let your little ones know that Santa is thinking of them this holiday season with a personalized message from Mr. Claus himself. Families can submit a request for a postcard from Santa online until December 4. The elves at Downtown Lee’s Summit Main Street will mail one postcard to each household at no charge starting the week of December 14.
Needing a little inspiration? Downtown Lee's Summit Main Street has put together an awesome holiday gift guide to keep you on your budget and shopping local this holiday season.
StoryWalk® - “Grow A Reader: An Interplanetary Tale”
The public is invited to a StoryWalk® at the Mid Continent Public Library's (MCPL) East Lee’s Summit Branch (2240 SE Blue Parkway, Lee’s Summit, MO). The installation features 15 reproductions of the pages from MCPL's signature children’s book, “Grow A Reader: An Interplanetary Tale,” by local author Bridget Heos and illustrator Dan Regan.
Experience the Holiday Lights in Downtown Lee's Summit
To ensure a safe holiday experience for all, there will not be an in-person program and gathering for the annual Mayor’s Tree Lighting in Downtown Lee’s Summit. Guests are welcome to drive or walk through downtown to enjoy the holiday lights, live window displays, and holiday shopping from 6 - 8 p.m. on November 20. A virtual program featuring greetings from Mayor Baird and Santa and Mrs. Claus will be broadcast via Facebook Live at 5:45 p.m. on the Downtown Lee’s Summit Facebook page.
“The Mayor’s Tree Lighting has been a community tradition for over 30 years. To keep our community safe, we changed the format of the event to allow families to safely experience the magic of the holiday lights, either from their home, vehicle, or while walking through downtown,” shared Donnie Rodgers, Jr., executive director of Downtown Lee’s Summit Main Street.
Enjoy the Outdoors!
It’s been an exciting time for Lee’s Summit Parks and Recreation! Summit Ice is now officially open for the season. You can enjoy a public skate or pond hockey. There’s also learn-to-skate classes! Given the current pandemic, you’ll have to wear a mask, social distance and it’s encouraged to register for public skate sessions ahead of time at LSParks.net.
That wasn’t the only big news for LSPR. Outdoor fitness equipment is now open at Lowenstein Park. There are 20 fitness stations that can be used during park hours. There’s a kiosk that will offer instructional videos and there will also be fitness classes offered at Lowenstein Park.
Take Me Home
The Lee's Summit Police Department is proud to announce a new program to help keep our citizens safe.
Take Me Home is a program that was originally developed by the Pensacola Florida Police Department for people who may need special assistance in times of emergency. This kind of assistance may be required if the person is unable to speak or properly identify themselves, or if they become disoriented or act in a manner that could be misinterpreted by first responders or law enforcement officers.
The system includes a current digital picture, demographic information and caregiver contacts. If a police officer encounters a person in the Take Me Home system, the officer can query the database by searching a name or by the person’s physical description. Once the individual’s Take Me Home record has been located, the officer has the information at hand to appropriately assist the person.
Get the Scoop in Two Minutes!
Your weekly flash briefing is here. Get a snapshot of what's happening this week in Lee's Summit. Take a listen!
