‘Such a bad idea’: Video shows crowded event with few masks at KC’s Power & Light
An event that drew a crowd of more than 100 people — most of whom wore no masks — Thursday in the Power & Light District didn’t violate any city rules even as it appeared contrary to public health recommendations meant to rein in the spread of the coronavirus.
The Hot Country Nights event seen in a video posted online by downtown resident Zachary Cobb, prompted questions about why the entertainment district was open while some urged the city to enact stronger policies.
“There were just so many people and they were all shoulder to shoulder,” Cobb said. “It felt like such a bad idea to me.”
The number of COVID-19 cases continues to climb in Kansas City, especially among young people, and public health officials have issued warnings about the risks of attending large gatherings. On Friday, the state health department reported 155 new cases in Kansas City.
City health officials said the gathering in the KC Live space did not violate rules because capacity at outdoor spaces is not restricted.
The Power & Light District said it limited capacity to 50% and that Thursday’s event was attended by less than that.
“Because the Power & Light District’s outdoor plaza is an outdoor venue, guests are not required to wear masks when in attendance. All of the restaurants adjacent to the outdoor plaza require masks for entry. They have always complied and will always comply with all City social distancing requirements,” a statement from the district said.
Frank Thompson, deputy director of the Kansas City Health Department, said gatherings have the potential to become super spreaders of the virus.
“Just because a venue is open, does not mean that venue is safe,” he said. “People shouldn’t be gambling with their health and their lives.”
Cobb encountered the crowd at Power & Light Thursday night while on a stroll with his girlfriend, he said.
“We were walking around and we both heard live music which was a pretty big surprise to me, and something I hadn’t heard in a long time,” the 36-year-old said.
They walked to where the sound was coming from and found themselves in the Power & Light District where Hot Country Nights, a country music concert series, was taking place.
As live music blared from the Kansas City Live! stage, Cobb took photos and a video of groups socializing and drinking around the stage. Few if any masks are visible and social distancing appears limited.
Though he and his girlfriend were wearing masks, Cobb said, the only other people who were wearing face coverings were employees. Most of the crowd looked like they were in their 20s and 30s.
According to the Kansas City Health Department, 4,911 COVID-19 cases have been confirmed and 82 people have died in the city.
The age group with the highest rate of infection are those 20 to 29 followed by those 30 to 39.
Health department director Rex Archer said the 20 to 29 age group had a 115% rise in cases between June and July.
Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas said it is important for people of all ages to recognize their role in stopping the spread of the virus, but particularly younger groups.
“I’m a 30-something myself and a message to the 20 and 30 somethings: wearing masks, keeping social distancing really allows us to get back to society as normal and as we knew it,” he said.
“We do ask folks to use their judgment and perhaps not be around 100s of other people without masks where you can see an incident, a situation, that welcomes the spread of COVID-19.”
On Thursday, Lucas extended the emergency order requiring masks to be worn indoors until at least mid-January. Bars are limited to serving 50% of their normal capacity. Restaurant tables must be placed six feet apart, and masks are required until patrons are seated and eating.
Lucas said he is in touch with the health department and other leaders in the area.
“We continue to consider all options to keep Kansas City and the entire region safe,” he said.
The Power & Light’s Facebook page lists several upcoming events including a Royals watch party which more than 400 people have expressed interest in attending and a September beer festival which 1,400 people responded to with interest in attending.
