Officials at the Unified Government Public Health Department made a big announcement last week:
More than 50 % of people living in Wyandotte County have received at least one COVID-19 vaccination, according to data from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE).
UGPHD leaders also announced that COVID-19 numbers have improved after a surge in COVID-19 cases this summer and early fall. Most of those cases were caused by the Delta variant, according to sequencing testing:
- 29 new COVID-19 cases per day is the current 7-day rolling average number of cases, down from more than 100 new cases per day in August.
- 18% positivity of COVID-19 tests is the current 7-day rolling average, down from nearly 40% in August.
Because of the improvement in COVID numbers in the County, UGPHD leaders also announced they are loosening guidance on social gatherings that was initially issued on August 25. That guidance urged people to limit the number of people in gatherings. This more cautious guidance has been withdrawn in light of the recent reduction in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.
While this is good news, UGPHD officials continue to encourage caution when gathering with people outside of one’s household. When gathering with people outside of your immediate household, the UGPHD encourages you to keep the following in mind:
- Gatherings are safest when everyone present is fully vaccinated.
- Outdoor gatherings are safer than indoor gatherings, as COVID spreads more easily indoors.
- Masks can make gatherings safer, especially indoor gatherings. This is particularly important if some people present are not vaccinated. Please note that Kansas City, KS remains under a mask mandate for public indoor spaces.
If a business, organization, or group is planning a large event and would like guidance from the UGPHD on COVID-19 safety for the event, they can email epidemiology@wycokck.org or call 913-573-6712 for assistance.
Free Vaccinations and Testing
The UGPHD continues to offer free COVID-19 vaccines for people who live in Wyandotte County age 12 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: Wednesday – Friday 10 am – 6 pm
- COVID Testing: Monday – Friday 9 am – 3 pm
For more information on where to get vaccinated in Wyandotte County, visit WycoVaccines.org or call 3-1-1. To learn more about upcoming UGPHD mobile vaccination events visit their Facebook page at facebook.com/UGHealthDept
To search for additional vaccine providers by location and type of vaccine, go to vaccines.gov.
Community Calendar
Here are details about some upcoming community events where anyone living in Wyandotte County age 12 and over can get free COVID vaccinations:
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This Wednesday (October 20), there will be a COVID-19 vaccination clinic at the Keeler Women’s Center at 759 Vermont Avenue in Kansas City, KS. The event runs from 10 a.m. to noon. Anyone interested in getting vaccinated is asked to call (913) 689-9375 to make a reservation. The clinic will offer both Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines. In addition, Pfizer booster shots will be available for anyone who is eligible for them.
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On Saturday, October 30, faith leaders from across Wyandotte County will come together to host a “Vax Fall Fest” at the Oak Ridge Missionary Baptist Church, located at 9301 Parallel Parkway in Kansas City, KS. The event runs from noon to 3 p.m. and includes several activities:
- Raffle: Everyone vaccinated at the event will be entered into a raffle to win one of ten $100 gift cards
- Instant prizes: Those who get their first, free COVID vaccine at the event can choose to receive either a licensed NFL KC Chiefs zippered hoodie or a $50 gift card.
- Plus other fun, food and fellowship!