Number of COVID Cases Increasing in Wyandotte County

Published on December 09, 2021

The number of COVID-19 cases in Wyandotte County has surged over the past several weeks, and leaders at the Unified Government Public Health Department are urging people to get vaccinated, continue wearing masks and practicing good hygiene to help stop the slow of the virus in our community. Here’s current data on the spread of COVID in Wyandotte County:

• 26,035 confirmed cases of the virus
• 3,411 probable cases
• The 7-day rolling average has climbed to 71 new cases per day, which is 3.5 times as high as it was just five weeks ago at the end of October
• The 7-day rolling average percent positivity is at 33 percent, which is twice as high as the end of October

At this point, 55 percent of people living in Wyandotte County have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, while only 47 percent are fully vaccinated.

Recently, the Unified Government Commission voted to extend its previous mask order for Kansas City, KS and the unincorporated area of Loring in Wyandotte County through 11:59 p.m. on January 6, 2022. This extension was in part due to COVID surges being seen not just in Wyandotte county but also across the United States and in Europe. Other reasons for the extension include:

• Winter weather and the holidays mean more time indoors, where COVID spreads more easily.
• Children under 5 years of age are still unable to be vaccinated against COVID and remain particularly vulnerable to the virus.
• Nearly approximately half of people living in Wyandotte County (53 percent) remain unvaccinated.
• Immunity is waning for people who were vaccinated more than six months ago.
• Hospital resources remain under pressure.

What is Covered by the Mask Order

Individuals age five and older must wear masks over the nose and mouth when: 

• Inside any public space including businesses and places of worship;
• Obtaining services from the healthcare sector in settings including, but not limited to, a hospital, pharmacy, medical clinic, laboratory, physician or dental office, vaccination site, COVID-19 testing site, veterinary clinic, or blood bank (unless otherwise directed by an employee or healthcare provider);
• Waiting for or riding on public transportation or while in a taxi, private car service, or ride-sharing vehicle; and

All businesses or organizations in Wyandotte County must require all employees, customers, visitors, members, or members of the public to wear a mask or other face covering when: 

• Employees are working in any space visited by customers or members of the public, regardless of whether anyone from the public is present at the time; or
• Employees are working in an indoor space; or
• Employees are working in any space where food is prepared or packaged for sale or distribution to others; or
• In any indoor space where members of the general public are present or may be periodically present

Free Vaccinations Available for People Ages 5 and Older 

The UGPHD continues to offer free COVID-19 vaccines for people who live in Wyandotte County ages 5 and older, at the former Kmart site at 7836 State Avenue. Hours for COVID-19 vaccinations and testing are as follows (NOTE: All of these services are free of charge!): 

• COVID Vaccines available Wednesday – Friday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM, December 20 - 29, Monday – Wednesday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM.

• COVID Testing available Monday - Friday 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM, December 20 - 29, Monday – Wednesday, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM.

• The former Kmart will be closed for the holidays on December 23, 24 and December 30 and 31.

COVID vaccinations are now available for people ages 12 and older at the UGPHD building at 619 Ann Ave in downtown KCK, Monday and Tuesday mornings, by appointment only. Call 913-573-8855 to make an appointment.