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Up To Date

Vaccination Status Could Decide Who Gets A Hospital Bed

By Steve Kraske,
Zach Wilson, Elizabeth Ruiz
Published September 30, 2021 at 5:06 PM CDT
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The Mu variant, another strain of the coronavirus, is being watched but so far has not been responsible for an uptick in cases in the U.S.

COVID cases in the Kansas City area are trending downward but infectious disease doctor warns that focus must remain on mitigation practices.

While COVID cases in the Kansas City area are trending downward, the pandemic is nowhere near under control.

"The pressure it's putting on the health care system is such that has now resulted in concerns for patients out in our community," said Dr. Mary Anne Jackson, dean of the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine.

The metro area is reporting around 1000 cases and hospitalizing between 100-110 patients daily, according to Dr. Jackson.

While Kansas City hospitals are still managing, hospitals across the country faced with overcrowding and staffing shortages are prioritizing patients who have been vaccinated over those who have not.

"If they have a bed available and they have vaccinated individuals and unvaccinated individuals who have the same risk and reason to be in the Intensive Care Unit, they're going to prioritize the care for those who are vaccinated," Dr. Jackson said.

Less than seventy percent of middle-aged adults are vaccinated, Dr. Jackson pointed out, adding that the demographic is suffering severe health consequences related to COVID.

Tags
Up To Date PodcastUMKCCoronavirusvaccinesHealthregional healthpublic healthvirusinfectious disease
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Steve Kraske
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.
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Zach Wilson
As Up To Date’s senior producer, I construct daily conversations that give our listeners context to the issues of our time. I strive to provide a platform that holds those in power accountable, while also spotlighting the voices of Kansas City’s creatives and visionaries that may otherwise go unheard. Email me at zach@kcur.org.
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Elizabeth Ruiz
As a producer for Up To Date, my goal is to inform our audience by curating interesting and important conversations with reliable sources and individuals directly affected by a topic or issue. I strive for our program to be a place that hosts impactful conversations, providing our audience with greater knowledge, intrigue, compassion and entertainment. Contact me at elizabeth@kcur.org or on Twitter at @er_bentley_ruiz.
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