COVID-19 is now considered ‘endemic’ in Kansas and Missouri. What does that mean for you?
The virus that causes COVID-19 is now considered “endemic” in both Kansas and Missouri. Governors of both states made the announcement within a day of each other– Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly on Thursday, March 31, and Missouri Gov. Mike Parson on Wednesday, March 30.
Both states’ declarations signal a shift in state government response to COVID-19. The new approach removes certain emergency measures that allocated special priority and funding to combating the disease.
Here’s what this policy shift means for you.
What does “endemic” actually mean?
The word “endemic” literally means “regularly found among particular people or in a certain area.” In the context of the ongoing pandemic, it means that state governments will now be treating COVID-19 in a similar manner to the flu and other commonplace infectious diseases.
These illnesses are still a problem that the government hopes to combat, but they are not treated with a “crisis” level of response.
Does this mean the pandemic is over?
In the medical sense, no. While the governors’ announcements will impact certain COVID-19 policies, like data reporting and contact tracing, the virus still has the ability to cause new surges in case numbers, hospitalizations and deaths.
“Endemic does not mean the end of COVID,” said Paula Nickelson, acting director of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. “It simply means that COVID is now at a level of prevalence… to be considered a constant presence within our population.”
The virus still has the potential to mutate into new variants, which may cause further infections.
What will change in my day to day life?
Not a lot. In Missouri, the announcement of an “endemic” approach means the end to contact tracing and investigations into individual cases. Unless you have COVID-19 right now, this shift won’t impact you immediately. Instead, critics warn that it may make future pandemic “waves” more difficult to manage.
Missouri will also change the way it reports COVID-19 data. According to the state’s data dashboard, “surveillance priority will change from monitoring case numbers to monitoring disease severity and societal impact.” New numbers will only be reported once a week.
This shift will change the way The Star records COVID-19 data for the Kansas City area. We will continue to share the most current available information with readers.
In Kansas, the “endemic” approach will have a minimal immediate impact on how the state addresses COVID-19. Its data reporting will also switch to weekly updates, and it will begin phasing out COVID testing support for private entities in May. Kansas already ended its contact tracing program in January.
Can I still get a vaccine or booster shot for free?
Yes. The federal government is continuing to fund free vaccines and boosters around the country, and neither state shared a plan to stop vaccinating those who still need a shot.
The FDA recently approved a second booster shot for individuals aged 50 and above, as well as immunocompromised people of all ages. This second booster shot should be given at least four months after the first booster shot.
Medical experts continue to recommend vaccination as the best way to protect yourself and others against the virus. A vaccinated population also prevents the virus from mutating into new and more infectious strains. Here’s where to find a vaccine in Kansas City.
Do you have more questions about staying safe from COVID-19 in Kansas City? Ask our Service Journalism team at kcq@kcstar.com.
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