Omicron continues to spread through the Kansas City metro, but deaths decrease slightly

Natalie Wallington
·2 min read

COVID-19 case numbers continue to climb in Kansas City. While the death count dropped somewhat this past week compared to the week before, patients are still overwhelming area hospitals, suggesting that the omicron variant is not yet declining in the area. Here’s the latest data.

As of Tuesday, the rolling average of new COVID-19 cases across the metro area is around 3,668 per day over seven days, according to data tracked by The Star. That’s a little higher than last week’s average of 3,554.

Local officials have reported 25,677 new COVID-19 cases in the past week, bringing the total number of cases in Kansas City up to 302,678 since the pandemic began. That’s a little higher than last week’s total of 24,875.

Fifty people have died from COVID-19 in Kansas City in the past week, bringing the death total up to 3,566 since the pandemic began. That’s lower than the 87 deaths recorded last week.

The federal government is now mailing at-home COVID-19 tests to households around the country. Here’s how to get yours.

What do these numbers mean for hospitals?

The University of Kansas Health System is treating 126 patients with active COVID-19 infections as of Tuesday, Jan. 18. Twenty-seven of these patients are in the ICU, with 18 on ventilators. That’s higher than last week’s count of 119 active cases.

Here’s a look inside an ICU at University Health.

Of the 126 patients that the University of Kansas Health System is currently treating for COVID-19, 21 are vaccinated. One of the 27 ICU patients is vaccinated, and none of the 18 patients on ventilators are vaccinated. Most of the COVID-19 patients in area hospitals are not vaccinated.

Children are the least vaccinated population in Kansas City, despite being hospitalized for COVID-19 in record numbers. Here’s what to know about vaccines for kids.

Getting a full course of vaccines and a booster shot remain the most effective way to stay safe from the virus. Vaccinations and booster shots are available for free at clinics around the Kansas City area.

Do you have more questions about staying safe from COVID-19 in Kansas City? Ask our Service Journalism team at kcq@kcstar.com or fill out the form below.