Today the CORE 4 partners of Jackson County, Missouri; Johnson County, Kansas; Kansas City, Missouri, and the Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, Kansas, based on the urgency of the COVID-19 public health emergency and the imminent rapid progression of the pandemic in our area, announce that beginning Tuesday, March 24, residents will be directed to stay at home except for essential needs. All jurisdictions will issue orders that will stay in effect for 30 days from the effective date of March 24, with consideration after 30 days of whether to prolong these orders beyond that date, based on public health and critical care metrics available at that time.

Examples of essential businesses and services that will remain open during this time period include critical government services, infrastructure projects, childcare, healthcare, grocery stores, pharmacies, and delivery/carry-out/drive-through services from restaurants. Additional details are forthcoming.

The chief elected officer and medical directors for each jurisdiction will hold a joint news conference tomorrow, March 22 at 1:00 p.m. at Union Station, where more details will be made available.

For more information please contact:

Marshanna Smith, Jackson County, Missouri Public Information Officer, 816 878-1930, msmith@jacksongov.org

Jody Hanson, Johnson County Director of Public Affairs and Communication, 913-715-0730, jody.hanson@jocogov.org

Chris Hernandez, Kansas City, Missouri Communications Director, 816-787-1507, Chris.Hernandez@kcmo.org

Dave Reno, Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, Kansas Interim Public Information Officer, 913-573-5307, dreno@wycokck.org