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.
- Dr. Mary Anne Jackson, dean, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine
