Much of the conversation at the City of Independence's pandemic team meeting centered around a possible spike in positive cases and the COVID-19 vaccine.

Assistant City Manager David Cowan and Labette Health ER Director Becky Mitchell both expressed concern about an anticipated surge in COVID cases in the next couple of weeks due to Christmas and New Year’s holiday gatherings.  Cowan reported Independence EMS remains very busy daily with COVID calls and questions, and Mitchell reported the Labette Health Fever Clinic continues to test multiple patients daily.

Regarding the vaccine, Mitchell discussed the importance of as many individuals as possible receiving the vaccine when it is available to facilitate widespread immunity in the population.