Coronavirus hasn't ravaged America's heartland yet, and one of its biggest cities is trying to keep

https://sports.yahoo.com/coronavirus-hasnt-ravaged-americas-heartland-yet-and-one-of-its-biggest-cities-is-trying-to-keep-it-that-way-192517561.html

"“It disappoints me when, this weekend, I was in Swope Park and saw that there were probably 50 kids around a basketball game — the kids that are playing and then the folks that are standing around,” Lucas said. “And I understand it’s warm outside, these are things people want to do, but there’s a reason we’re going through these steps to keep these kids safe, their parents, grandparents and so many others safe.”

When asked if his measures were Orwellian, Lucas noted that other cities have taken more extreme steps. He also reiterated that the order was given, in large part, to prevent the type of spread that has affected New Orleans, whose metro area is smaller than Kansas City’s but already has thousands of confirmed cases overloading its health care system and basic services.

To further the prevention effort, Lucas announced Monday that Kansas City will put up caution tape on a few playgrounds and increase police patrols in parks. He also encouraged people to call police if they know of anyone throwing large house parties involving more than 10 people.

“Everybody has responsibility in the city to be helping us with this because we’re damaging some businesses through this action right now,” said Dr. Rex Archer, Kansas City’s director of public health. “If people don’t comply on the voluntary side, then we can’t remove this as soon as we’d like to.”