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Kansas COVID-19 Update | Changes For Dentists | Preparing A Will

U.S. Centers for Disease Control
As of July 22, the state of Kansas has reported 308 deaths due to COVID-19, more than 1,500 hospitalizations and more than 24,100 total infections.

A coronavirus update from Kansas' top health official, how Missouri dentists are coping with a pandemic that kept some offices closed for weeks, and the importance of wills and advance directives have become very apparent.

Segment 1, beginning at 3:58: The health secretary says Kansas' initial response to COVID-19 was "a shining example of success."

Since Gov. Laura Kelly's reopening plan became guidance — and not a requirement — known cases of the coronavirus have been trending in the wrong direction, said Dr. Lee Norman. He said the mistake is "some counties just (opened) the doors up and said business as usual."

Segment 2, beginning at 24:11: Missouri dentists are trying to ensure each patient has a safe visit.

Dental practices in Missouri have opened back up and dentists are trying to make sure clients remain safe, personal protective equipment stays stocked, and clients' teeth stay healthy.

Segment 3, beginning at 39:24: Why having a will is important.

COVID-19 has taught us things can change in an instant, which is why it’s important to always have your affairs in order — having an end-of-life plan in place lifts a burden and ensures your loved ones don’t have to guess at what you wanted.

When I host Up To Date each morning at 9, my aim is to engage the community in conversations about the Kansas City area’s challenges, hopes and opportunities. I try to ask the questions that listeners want answered about the day’s most pressing issues and provide a place for residents to engage directly with newsmakers. Reach me at steve@kcur.org or on Twitter @stevekraske.
As culture editor, I help you embrace what makes Kansas City fun and vibrant, whether it’s a championship sports franchise or a little-known wonder. I work with reporters to ensure KCUR stories on art, culture, and race fully reflect our diverse home so readers and listeners can take full advantage of what the metro has to offer. Email me at luke@kcur.org.
Chris Young is an Assistant Producer for KCUR’s Up To Date. Contact him at chrisy@kcur.org.
As senior podcast producer for KCUR Studios and a host of A People’s History of Kansas City, I interview everyday people and dig through old newspaper articles to unearth stories of the visionaries and renegades who created this region. I focus on bringing the past to life, so we can all better understand the city we live in today. Email me at mackenzie@kcur.org.
Grace Cole is an intern for KCUR's Up To Date.