Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Mayor declaration document.
If you would like to receive updates about what the City is doing in response to the coronavirus, text COVIDKC to 888777.
The KCMO Health Department does not test for COVID-19. If you have a cough and fever, call your health care provider before going in for a COVID-19 test.
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services is operating a hotline for residents and health care providers to call for information and guidance about COVID-19.
The statewide hotline number is 877-435-8411. The hotline is being operated by medical professionals and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
During this urgent and unprecedented public health crisis, the United Way of Greater Kansas City wants to remind you of the referral services available through 211, a one-stop resource for community relief – food, financial help, utility assistance, tax services and more. Through 211, callers are connected to more than 8,000 programs run by nonprofit organizations and government agencies throughout the 23-county United Way 211 service area. For assistance, visit 211kc.org or dial 211.
We are sharing state actions to help our residents during the #COVID19 outbreak. The state has extended deadlines and other help with SNAP, driver’s licenses, license plates, and health benefits. Contact state offices for more details.
Coronavirus Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) from the KCMO Health Dept.
Planning for a Coronavirus Pandemic: A Guide for Business and Organizations
Download, print, and share messages and flyers about the coronavirus.
March 23 Updates :
KCMO City Hall and other city facilities closed to the public for #stayhomeKC declaration
"Stay at Home" Order FAQ has been updated to answer more questions from residents and businesses.
March 22 Updates :
The CORE 4 partners of Jackson County, Missouri; Johnson County, Kansas; Kansas City, Missouri, and the Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, Kansas, based on the urgency of the COVID-19 public health emergency and the imminent rapid progression of the pandemic in our area, announce that beginning Tuesday, March 24, residents will be directed to stay at home except for essential needs. All jurisdictions will issue orders that will stay in effect for 30 days from the effective date of March 24, with consideration after 30 days of whether to prolong these orders beyond that date, based on public health and critical care metrics available at that time. View the March 22 news conference.
Read answers to frequently asked questions on the "Stay at Home" Order FAQ page.
March 21 Update :
Mayor Lucas Issues Citywide “Stay at Home” Order, Extends School Closures
March 20 Updates :
Neighborhoods and Housing Services is modifying some of its services. Read the press release on how this affects Housing, Neighborhood Preservation, Land Bank, Animal Health and Public Safety, Regulated Industries, Tow Services and Solid Waste Services.
Stay Home image added to Shareable Messages page. Download and/or print to share.
March 19 Update :
Due to the COVID-19 virus outbreak, City Planning and Development offices are not open for public access on the 5th, 14th, 15th and 16th floors in City Hall until further notice. Please utilize CompassKC for these services at this time. You may call for service at 816-513-1500.
We are taking these steps to protect the health and wellness of staff and customers and we appreciate your patience and understanding during this unpredictable time.
March 18, 2020 Updates :
Kansas City, Missouri Health Department reports first two COVID-19 cases
Governor Parson has ordered all Missouri municipal elections previously scheduled for April 7, 2020, to be postponed to June 2, 2020.
Updated the Changes in City Operations and Online Resources page.
March 17, 2020 Update :
Check the City Clerk's Office website (outside link) for Committee and Council meeting dates.
Residents are encouraged to watch public meetings online and submit public comments by email.
Some members of the City Council may attend standing Council Committees, Business and Legislative sessions meetings via teleconference or videoconference.
Those who wish to comment on proposed ordinances can email written testimony to publictestimony@kcmo.org. Comments received during the ordinance discussion will be read aloud by the City Clerk during the public comment period. Comments received after the ordinance discussion will be added to the public record by the Clerk.
March 16, 2020 Update :
In accordance with the latest CDC guidance announced by the President, Mayor Lucas has updated his State of Emergency proclamation to disallow any gathering or events with more than 10 attendees.
Further:
With the support of superintendents from all 14 school districts and other education leaders that educate Kansas City students, all schools, public, private, charter and parochial, will close no later than Wednesday, March 18, until the end of the emergency notice.
Restaurants and taverns should serve customers via drive-thru, pickup, or delivery.
Businesses are strongly encouraged to evaluate which employees are essential and allow non-essential employees to work from home.
No visits to nursing homes and retirement or long-term care facilities are permissible.
Entire households are required to self-quarantine if someone in their home tests positive for COVID-19. They are also strongly encouraged to self-quarantine if anyone in their household is exhibiting symptoms consistent with common symptoms of COVID-19 (i.e. fever, dry cough).
Read the entire news release.
March 15, 2020 Update :
Under the authority of Mayor Lucas’s State of Emergency proclamation, and per new CDC guidance, no events or gatherings with 50 or more attendees will be allowed in Kansas City for the next eight weeks.
Please note that educational institutions, daycare facilities, and business operations are exempt.
March 12, 2020 Updates :
All community events scheduled at KCPD department facilities have been suspended for at least 30 days. View the KCPD website and social media for further updates. If you have any questions, please reach out to your nearest patrol station.
State of Emergency declared. Events with over 1000 people are cancelled or delayed in KCMO until the ban has been lifted. View the Mayor's proclamation and order.
March 11, 2020 Update :
With no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in KCMO yet, the focus remains on preventing the spread of the virus. The City of KCMO has not issued any recommendations regarding cancellations. Whether to cancel or modify events is a decision for individual event organizers.
We do have new recommendations from KCMO Health Director Dr. Rex Archer and KCMO EMS Medical Director Dr. Erica Carney, issued during a media briefing with Mayor Quinton Lucas:
People who are 60 years of age or more, or who have underlying health conditions, should strongly consider not attending events with large crowds.
People who are 70 years old or more should not attend events with large crowds.
Younger people should continue to use good hygiene and avoid handshakes.
Underlying health conditions include respiratory illnesses, heart disease, high blood pressure, or pregnancy.
Remember to wash your hands frequently and thoroughly, cover your cough, and stay home if you are sick.
If you feel sick, call your doctor first, before showing up at the doctor’s office. Your doctor will advise you how to treat your symptoms and whether you need to be tested. Do not go to the emergency room, hospital or urgent care center to ask for a test. Testing is a priority for those who have been exposed to the virus, those who have traveled to impacted areas, and those who are hospitalized with related symptoms.
Other ways to avoid spreading COVID-19:
If you feel sick, stay home and start treating your symptoms
Don’t visit nursing homes
Masks should be used only by people who are sick to contain coughs, and for health care professionals
March 7, 2020 Update :
KCMO Mayor Quinton Lucas, Health Department Director Rex Archer and Emergency Medical Services Medical Director Erica Carney today released the following joint statement after the first cases of COVID-19 tested “presumptive positive” in St. Louis and in Johnson County, Kan.:
“We are aware of and monitoring developments in St. Louis and in Johnson County, Kansas. While we do not yet have confirmed cases in Kansas City, we know we may have them in the future. Our Health Department is leading our preparation and is working closely with several other city health departments across the nation. Additionally, cities and counties across our state are working together to share information and we will keep working with our regional partners to keep the public safe.”
“The latest news reminds all of us to continue with prevention techniques. Remember to wash your hands, cover coughs, stay home if you are sick, and greet friends without shaking hands.”
March 6, 2020 Update : Coronavirus FAQ by the KCMO Health Dept.
March 4, 2020 - Testing and Events :
Recent advice from the national level has suggested that people go to an emergency room for coronavirus testing. However, our local officials believe it is best to talk with your doctor by phone before trying to get tested for this new virus.
“While more testing kits are on the way, we do not want to overwhelm local doctors and emergency rooms. Keep in mind that most people who get sick will recover fully if they stay home, rest, drink fluids and take appropriate over-the-counter medications to treat their symptoms,” said Dr. Erica Carney, KCMO EMS Medical Director.
The elderly and those with underlying health conditions are considered more at-risk and should seek medical treatment.
“The best prevention right now is to wash your hands thoroughly and often, cover your cough, and stay home if you feel sick,” Carney added.