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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 oversee KCUR’s coverage of race, culture, the arts, food and sports. I work with reporters to make sure our stories reflect the fullest view of the place we call home, so listeners and readers feel primed to explore the places, projects and people who make up a vibrant Kansas City. Email me at luke@kcur.org.
Chris Young is an Assistant Producer for KCUR’s Up To Date. Contact him at chrisy@kcur.org.
Whether it’s something happening right now or something that happened 100 years ago, some stories don’t fit in the short few minutes of a newscast. As a podcast producer at KCUR, I help investigate questions and local curiosities in a way that brings listeners along for adventures with plot twists and thought-provoking ideas. Sometimes there isn’t an easy answer in the end – but my hope is that we all leave with a greater understanding of the city we live in. Reach me at mackenzie@kcur.org.
Grace Cole is an intern for KCUR's Up To Date.