#TOGETHERLS
Welcome to the Covering COVID-19 Community Briefing
This twice-monthly digest of information will help keep you up to date as we work together to battle the COVID-19 pandemic. This briefing will provide:
- state and county health updates and measures the City is taking to keep residents as safe as possible
- reliable and factual information sources to use when seeking facts about this public health crisis
- reminders about things happening in our community and ideas to keep you entertained
Winter Holiday Safety
We’re just about a week away from Christmas and the CDC is reminding everyone to be safe this holiday. They’ve shared some safety tips and holiday travel considerations. Before traveling, consider whether those you’ll be visiting are at an increased risk of getting very sick from COVID-19. If you are getting together with people outside your household, wear a mask, socially distance, wash your hands frequently and avoid crowded spaces. Also, consider alternative holiday celebrations.
Some Considerations to Keep In Mind this Holiday Season
A Negative Test is Not a Green Light
If you’re going to gather for the holidays, the best course of action is to self-quarantine for 14 days before. Getting tested and receiving a negative test does not mean you’re in the clear. Here’s why:
- Getting tested is a stamp in time. You can still contract or incubate the virus after testing.
- False negatives can occur during sample collection where not enough of the virus was captured to detect.
- The virus takes time to replicate within your body and build up to a level that is detectable. You could test negative one day and positive the next.
Stay Home and Celebrate With the People You Live With
The holidays aren't canceled if you go this route. They can still be full of tradition. Get creative! Find more tips.
Take Steps To Reduce the Risk of Spread if You Do Decide To Gather With People You Don’t Live With
- Wear a mask over your mouth, nose and chin to stop the spread of COVID-19 to protect others and yourself.
- Stay at least six feet away or two arm lengths from others who do not live with you
- Avoid crowded, poorly ventilated indoor spaces.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds.
- Get a flu shot to help protect you and your family, friends and the community from getting and spreading the flu.
Source: Jackson County Health Department
COVID-19 Vaccine FAQs
There are still a lot of questions regarding the COVID-19 vaccines. How long does it protect you from the virus? Is it safe? What are the side effects? The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services has put together a comprehensive list of FAQs and debunks some common rumors.
COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation
Missouri has identified COVID-19 vaccination phases prioritizing those most at risk. Phase 1a is currently underway vaccinating health care workers and long-term care facility residents and staff.
How Do Moderna and Pfizer Vaccines Compare to New UK Strain
There isn’t just one COVID-19 vaccine. Pfizer’s vaccine was the first to receive FDA approval for emergency use and both are currently being distributed across the country. Moderna and Pfizer are both hoping to be effective against the new strain spreading across the UK and other countries.
At-Home COVID-19 Test
The FDA just approved an over-the-counter COVID-19 test that costs $30 and can give you results within 15 minutes without leaving your home. The test includes a nasal swab, dropper and processing fluid. Results are received on an app. According to CNBC, “Clinical trials found that Ellume’s home test correctly identified 96% of positive samples and 100% of negative samples in people with COVID-19 symptoms. In people without symptoms, the test correctly identified 91% of positive samples and 96% of negative samples.” It’s expected to be available in January.
COVID-19 Dashboards
Mid-America Regional Council COVID-19 Dashboard
Need to Get Tested?
Free Testing Sites Are Available in Lee's Summit
The City maintains a webpage with local testing site information and registration links from around the metro.
The Jackson County Health Department provides five free COVID-19 testing clinics weekly for both asymptomatic and symptomatic persons. Note: The Lee's Summit testing clinics have moved to the former Don Kahan property at 505 NW Blue Parkway. Clinics run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily. Registration closes at 2:30 p.m. the day prior to each clinic.
2020 Development Year in Review
What's being built there? You’ve likely noticed there’s a lot of development going on right now in Lee’s Summit! Large developments, apartments, subdivisions, retail and restaurants are going up all around town. With so much happening, it’s hard to keep up! Listen to Development Services Director Ryan Elam on the Green Street Beat podcast as he gives us a recap of 2020 and a preview of what to expect in 2021!
Property Taxes
Did you know the City benefits when you pay your taxes via City Hall?
Pay your Jackson County personal property, business and real estate tax bills at City Hall (either in person or by using the drop boxes) and the City receives 1% of the tax dollars collected for acting as an agent for Jackson County.
Extended Hours: December 28, 29, 30 and 31, 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.
School districts build strategic plans to determine goals, priorities and focus areas for the future. With the Lee's Summit R-7 School District's current strategic plan, Destination 2021, set to expire after this school year, a committee of administration and unclassified and classified staff, parents, community members and students are working to create the district’s next strategic plan.
The 2020-21 Comprehensive School Improvement Plan (CSIP) committee is collecting feedback and ideas for LSR7’s future priorities through a community survey.
The survey closes at 11 p.m. on Wednesday, January 6. LSR7 welcomes all parents, staff members, community members and high school students in the LSR7 community to participate and make their voice heard.
Court News
Court will be closed December 21 - December 31
The Lee’s Summit Municipal Division is temporarily relocating to the first floor of City Hall due to construction. This will require the court to be closed December 21 - December 31 in order to relocate.
Court will be also be closed for the holidays December 24, December 25 and January 2. During the closure the court administrator shall continue to conduct the essential constitutional functions of the court.
All dockets through January 31, 20201 will be held virtual via WebEx.
Santa Clause Visits Lee's Summit
Santa stopped by Parks and Recreation to spread some holiday cheer! Take a look.
Hit the Ice for the Holidays
Create new holiday memories at Summit Ice this season. Patrons are encouraged to register for each session. Skate rentals are available upon request.
Special holiday hours:
- December 24 Sessions | Noon - 2 p.m., 2 - 4 p.m. and 4 - 6 p.m.
- December 25 | Closed
- December 31 Sessions | Noon - 2 p.m., 2 - 4 p.m., 4 - 6 p.m. and 6 - 8 p.m.
Ignite Comprehensive Plan
Check Out the Five BIG IDEAS for Lee’s Summit
Have you heard about the Five BIG IDEAS that are fueling Lee’s Summit’s future? Material presented at the community workshops is now available. Check out the series of short videos that explain the Five BIG IDEAS. Tell us what you think is most important for Lee’s Summit’s successful future.
Shape Lee's Summit's Comprehensive Plan
In addition to input about BIG IDEAS, provide feedback for your community’s future in a short survey or online forum.
