The Platte County Health Department launched an online symptom self reporting tool this week to complement testing resources. The symptom reporting tool is available at plattecountyhealthdept.com, under the COVID-19 banner.
According to a statement released Tuesday, April 21, the online questionnaire will help determine how many residents have symptoms of COVID-19 to better understand the virus’ effect on the community and to identify residents who may meet the criteria for testing.
Platte County residents who believe they have symptoms and would like to be tested for COVID19 must first fill out the symptom self-reporting tool, and will then be evaluated to determine if they qualify for testing. Once their information has been submitted, they will be contacted by a nurse and possibly brought in for testing.
Health department officials said they are making plans for a possible drive-thru testing site, with the location yet to be announced. The self-reporting tool was developed by Kansas City Digital Drive. To make drive-up testing possible, the health department received a significant number of swabs through a partnership of The University of Kansas Health Systems and a group of local business leaders.
“To get the best possible picture of the number of cases in our county, we ask that you please fill out the survey accurately and completely,” said Platte County health officer Mary Jo Vernon in the release. “The overarching goal of this public health response is to minimize the adverse health impacts of exposure to COVID-19 in Platte County.”
Vernon also released a statement on Friday, April 17, along with the extension of the stay at home order that will remain in effect until May 15.
“The decision to extend this order is not made lightly, and I know it comes at an economic cost for many,” Vernon said. “But, I want to assure you that these decisions are based on data and models that show our peak arriving in two weeks’ time. As your health director, I am acutely aware of the impact this is having on our economy, businesses and families.
“If we open up the county too soon, it has been proven that a second wave of the virus can occur, which would require the restrictions to be put back in place for a longer period. With this in mind, I am trying to prevent an even deeper, more profound impact on our economy.”
On Thursday, April 9 the department had issued an order extending the suspension of dine-in restaurant services and limiting gatherings of 10 or more people through the end of the month.
The health department’s numbers on Wednesday, April 22 were at 27 cases within Platte County outside of the City of Kansas City. Of these, 14 women and 13 men are infected, most of whom are in their 40s. A total of 13 people are reported to have already recovered from coronavirus.
In Kansas City North within Platte County, the Kansas City Health Department confirmed 33 cases as of Tuesday, April 21. Neighboring Clay County has 93 cases.
The City of Kansas City has released a map of infections broken down by zip code as of April 21, showing the bulk of COVID-19 positive cases south of the Missouri River in Jackson County.
In Kansas City’s portion of Platte County, the 64151 zip code shows the highest concentration of cases, with 10-19 cases reported.
The Platte County Health Department has also added a break down of cases by zip code, with 7 in the 64079 zip code — Platte City and Tracy — and 15 cases in 64152 — which includes areas of unincorporated Platte County near Parkville, Parkville itself and Weatherby Lake. Five cases have been reported in other, more rural areas, with no further breakdown provided.
“Thus far, our numbers in Platte County have remained relatively low because of the community complying with the restrictions,” Vernon said in last week’s release. “Keep in mind, due to inadequate testing we don’t have a clear picture of cases at this time. It is vital to continue to support one another from afar and remain vigilant in our effort to prevent any further spread of this virus.”
The extended order added places of worship to the list of essential businesses. Under the order, such places may facilitate distance worship. They may perform essential functions related to distance worship as long as the persons performing those essential functions are under 10 people and are able to maintain social distancing of six feet or more.
The health department will continue to reassess the data as it comes available and evaluate it on a daily basis, according to the health department release. If new information requiring adjustments to the order arises, changes will be made after an analysis.