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September 9, 2020

#TOGETHERLS

Welcome to the Covering COVID-19 Community Briefing

This weekly 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

Tips for Safely Getting Together

The weather is going to start getting cooler which may invite you to see friends or family. The Jackson County Health Department has provided some tips for gathering safely:

  • Develop a pandemic “social bubble." Try to limit in-person social gatherings to a core group of friends or family to minimize exposure to people outside your immediate group.
  • Know the risks involved. Avoid having close interactions with people age 65 or older, or people with underlying health conditions.
  • Enjoy the weather. Organize gatherings outside in the fresh air.
  • Bring your own (BYO) stuff. Sharing a beverage or passing food around can spread the virus. Bringing your own chairs or picnic blankets can help you maintain distance from others in the group.
  • Be creative. Think of games that can be played further apart and that do not involve any physical contact, like charades.

Flu vs. COVID-19

Flu and COVID-19 can result in complications. However, COVID-19 is associated with additional complications like blood clots and multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children.

Make Self-Care a Priority

Self-care looks different for everyone. Whether it's moving your body, taking up a hobby, spending time alone or connecting with others, think about what you can do to prioritize your well-being.

The Three W's for Public Settings

  • Wear a mask
  • Wash your hands
  • Watch your distance (stay six feet apart from others who do not live in your household)

These three habits can help protect you and others from COVID-19. Learn more about additional steps you can take to protect family and friends.

What Hand Sanitizer Should You Choose?

Pick one that contains mostly alcohol and has few other ingredients.

According to the CDC, hand sanitizers should be at least 60% ethyl alcohol or 70% isopropyl alcohol. The FDA says that other approved ingredients may include sterile distilled water, hydrogen peroxide and glycerin.

Avoid hand sanitizers with methanol, 1-propanol or benzalkonium chloride listed as an ingredient.

When Should Your Child Stay Home From School?

The Jackson County Health Department has published a symptom guide to help parents/guardians determine if a child who is feeling unwell should stay home from school. The health department recommends that a child's health be evaluated every morning before sending them to school. This simple step will protect other students and teachers.

COVID-19 Dashboards

Mid-America Regional Council COVID-19 Dashboard

Jackson County COVID-19 Dashboard

View cases by demographics and zip code, hospitalizations, testing, deaths, outbreaks and more.

Ask JCHD

Did you know the Jackson County Health Department will answer your questions about COVID-19 online? It's a great resource!

Wearing a Mask 101

Wearing a mask is an easy and effective way to protect yourself and others. When wearing a mask, make sure it covers both your nose and mouth.

COVID-19 Testing Sites

Thursday, September 10 | Vesper Hall, 400 NW Vesper St., Blue Springs, MO

Friday, September 11 | Raytown EMS, 10020 E 66th Terrace, Raytown, MO

This is a great way to get the latest information on COVID-19 straight from the health department. Visit their Facebook page to either listen live on Thursdays or listen to the recorded presentation.

Reflections of Character Award Nominations

Do you know someone who demonstrates outstanding strength of character? Nominate them for Lee’s Summit CARES Reflections of Character Award and share their inspiring story with our entire community. The 12 deserving winners will be honored at the Mayor's Character Breakfast in January. Deadline to nominate is September 30.

Help Shape the Future!

Ignite! Fuel Our Future Comprehensive Plan

What kind of housing options do we need in Lee's Summit?

Do we need affordable options for young adults who don't want to be homeowners yet, but want to live in Lee's Summit? What about young families or empty nesters? A mix of price ranges? Housing is a hot topic in Lee's Summit and the City needs your thoughts as we make development plans.

The latest podcast (below) with the City's development experts will open your eyes regarding the current housing market in Lee's Summit and what is needed to ensure neighborhoods are strong and vibrant.

There are two easy ways to provide your thoughts. The online Discussion Forum and the Housing Survey. Make your voice heard and participate today!

Want to Give Feedback on Transportation? Public Facilities?

We know you are busy, but we also know how passionate our citizens are about the future of our great city. We urge you to take part (virtually!) in the community's comprehensive plan. The City is offering multiple and EASY ways for you to provide input and share your views for Lee's Summit's future.

Join the Online Discussion. We bet you have a lot of ideas about what the City should do to prepare for the future. Scooters? More bike paths? Technology? What's needed for a good quality of life? Leave your comments in the online forum discussion.

Surveys. Take a brief survey to share your views on each of the essential elements of the comprehensive plan.

Kiosks. Kiosks are provided at the following locations enabling residents to respond to surveys or to leave feedback in the online discussion forum.

  • City Hall Lobby, 220 SE Green St.
  • Longview Community Center, 3801 SW Longview Rd.
  • Lovell Community Center at Legacy Park, 901 NE Bluestem Dr.

Conversation Kits. We've got the cure for panboredom! Gather the people in your bubble or organize a Zoom get together to help shape our community. Lee’s Summit is counting on you and your friends to fuel our future! And, we have a fun and interactive way for you to engage in the Ignite Comprehensive Plan process. Download a Conversation Kit and get started!

National Preparedness Month

September is National Preparedness Month. This is a good time to review your family's emergency plans to see if they should change due to COVID-19. Have you discussed how to reach each other & where to meet up in an emergency? There is no better time than now to have a plan set in place.

Community Blood Drive

The Community Blood Center is in dire need of blood donations. To help alleviate the shortage, the City partnered with the Community Blood Center for community blood drive on Monday, September 28 from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. at the Gamber Community Center located at 4 SE Independence Ave. in Lee's Summit.

Appointments are STRONGLY RECOMMENDED; walk-ins will only be accepted as capacity allows.

Fall Open House

September 11 and 12 | 5 p.m.

Get excited for falling leaves and pumpkin spice everything! Enjoy a festive fall sip and take in the refreshing autumn air as you shop in Downtown Lee’s Summit. Dozens of locally-owned businesses will feature the latest fall trends in home decor, apparel, and gifts. Just follow the balloons.

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!

COVID-19 Dashboard

COVID-19 information is rapidly changing and we encourage everyone to visit Jackson County's dashboard to get reliable up-to-date information.