The number of COVID-19 cases continued to drop this week while the number of vaccine doses administered improved and legislation to help renters make their payments was signed by Governor Parson. However, Missouri still has hurdles to clear as communities to their pre-pandemic lives.

*On Thursday , Governor Mike Parson signed a bill passed by the Missouri General Assembly that provides $324 million in federal funds for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program*

At its peak in November, Missouri had over 4,000 new daily cases. That number has fallen to a seven day average of 1,300 new daily cases. Less than 8% of COVID tests are coming back positive, a big drop from the 24% seen in November which shows a much lower community spread. Additionally, Missouri hospitalizations are down 48% from their peak on December 22.

According to the latest data from the Clay County Public Health Center COVID-19 Dashboard, this week has only seen 74 cases reported. The last time the Health Center has seen numbers this low was June 2020.

Additionally, Missouri is making strides on vaccinations. Over 500,000 Missourians have received at least one dose of the vaccine and 150,000 doses were administered the first week of February. Combined with those who have recovered from COVID, approximately 17% of the state has some immunity against the disease.

Currently, Missouri is vaccinating Phase 1B, Tiers 1 and 2. This includes first responders, corrections officers and civilians over 65 or with high risk factors. People can put their name on the list to receive the vaccine by visiting these links to local health departments:

Kansas City, Missouri, residents: https://hipaa.jotform.com/210117358088152

Non-KCMO Clay County residents: https://hipaa.jotform.com/210138520201032

Non-KCMO Platte County residents: https://us.openforms.com/Form/8c3d6585-ebb9-45a3-8d40-0046c31a9a80

In addition, many pharmacies in the 12th District are vaccinators ready to go whenever vaccines are available, including Auburn, CVS, Kearney Clinic, Price Chopper, Summers, and Walgreens. People can contact these facilities to get on their list to call when a vaccine is available.

The federal government is working directly with Wal-Mart to provide vaccinations, which includes the store outside of Liberty here in the Northland. To sign-up, visit http://www.walmart.com/COVIDvaccine.

Missouri continues to look for ways to help people who have been most directly affected by the pandemic. This includes several new rental and utility assistance programs coming online, helping renters make their monthly rent and utility payments while also allowing landlords to apply on their lessees’ behalf. The City of Smithville has set aside $50,000 in federal CARES Act funding for city residents. Kansas City will be opening a program in mid-February for the $15 million in federal funds the city recently received.

On Thursday, Governor Parson signed a bill passed by the Missouri General Assembly that provides $324 million in federal funds for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program.

KPGZ News – Representative Josh Hurlbert and Brian Watts Contributed to this Story