Kansas City-area residents will be ordered to stay at home except for essential needs, beginning March 24

As of March 21, Johnson County has 26 positive cases of COVID-19, 1 of those is a death.

Kansas City-area residents will be ordered to stay at home except for essential needs, beginning Tuesday, March 24

Due to the urgency of the COVID-19 public health emergency and imminent rapid progression of the pandemic in our area, the regional partners: Jackson County, Missouri; Johnson County, Kansas; Kansas City, Missouri and the Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, Kansas will jointly announce details of orders for residents to stay home except for essential needs. Read the draft Johnson County order that will be finalized on Sunday, March 22.

All jurisdictions will issue orders that will stay in effect for 30 days from the effective date, March 24, with consideration after 30 days of whether to prolong these orders beyond that date, based on public health and critical care information available at that time.

Examples of essential businesses and services that will remain open during this time:

• Government services
• Infrastructure projects
• Child care
• Health care
• Grocery stores
• Pharmacies
• Delivery/carry-out/drive-through services from restaurants

Further details will be shared during a news conference at 1 p.m., on Sunday, March 22. Read more about this joint effort. Watch the news conference live.

First COVID-19-related fatality in Johnson County

The Johnson County Department of Health and Environment is reporting its first death of a resident from the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The person who died was a male in his 70s. He had been hospitalized and had no history of travel. He had underlying health conditions. This is the second COVID-19-related death in the state.

"I know this news is alarming, but we are doing everything possible to make sure the public is safe. I urge businesses and families to take health precautions and practice physical distancing. Work from home, if possible, wash your hands and disinfect surfaces frequently, and stay home when you are sick," said. Dr. Samni Areola, JCDHE director.

Learn more about today's news.

State issues mandates for 14-day quarantine

On Wednesday, March 18, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment issued new mandates for quarantine and isolation of travelers, along with close contacts and those being tested.

14-day home quarantine is mandated for Kansans who have:

• Traveled to a state with known widespread community transmission (currently California, Florida, New York and Washington state), on or after March 15
• Visited Eagle, Summit, Pitkin or Gunnison counties in Colorado in the week prior to March 15 or after

*Traveling from Johnson County to another part of the state does not require a 14-day home quarantine at this time.

Current guidance if you're sick

• Do not visit the ER for mild illness, isolate at home and away from family for at least seven days or for 72 hours after symptoms are gone.
• Call your doctor with severe symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath).
• Testing is for the sickest patients who are seriously ill and require admission to the hospital.

Johnson County departments announce changes or precautions for county services due to pandemic

Johnson County programs and services have been impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak. This information is updated as changes are made. Please check this webpage often regarding court services, human services programs through Johnson County Park & Recreation District and much more.

Pay attention to your physical and mental health

As information changes daily regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, this time of uncertainty can create an elevated sense of anxiety. The Johnson County Mental Health Center is offering resources for families and individuals to help.

Check out these resources on the Johnson County Mental Health Center webpage.

Have questions? We have answers

We've created a webpage for the common questions surrounding COVID-19. Topics include how to identify symptoms, how it's spread, who's at risk and much more. Check back often. As more questions come in, we'll continue to update answers.

Watch the Saturday, March 21 emergency Board of County Commissioners meeting: