By Allen Edmonds
HARRISONVILLE - The Cass County Commission this morning voted to allow the Cass County Health Department to issue a stay-at-home order, which mirrors the order issued over the weekend by Kansas City's "Core 4" counties, and the City of Belton, effective from 12:01 a.m. Tuesday morning until April 24.
The order has now been issued, and is available here. NOTE: Per Cass County Health Department Director Anthony Warlen, initial versions of the order did not list "drive-through" lanes at restaurants among the acceptable food pick-up options. That is being corrected to include "drive-through" options.
A frequently asked questions document has also been issued. It can be viewed here.
"We decided to err on the side of caution and get hold of this," said Cass County Presiding Commissioner Bob Huston on a conference call with a group of the county's mayors, city administrators and emergency service heads.
"I want everyone to know that we didn't take this lightly," he said, citing the cultural differences between the more urban northwest portion of the county and the more rural southern portion.
In a joint statement to officeholders issued shortly after the conference call, the commissioners, Huston, Jimmy Odom and Monty Kisner, said the group "had much discussion and prayerful consideration of the circumstances and outcome," before reaching the decision.
"The county offices will remain open with limited access from the public. Work that can be done through email and phone is encouraged as well as social distancing within the offices.
"The citizens of our great county are our first and utmost concern. We will recover and be stronger by working together and helping our neighbors, friends and family through this difficult time."
...and to take care of family members.
Thank you
Tommy, they're relying on voluntary compliance. Unless they run into a situation where a business or individual is repeatedly and flagrantly causing a problem, they're not considering consequences at this point. Travel to and from your work is definitely allowed.
Is there any fines for being out and how are they going to in force if so and were are we able to travel to i take care of family members and have to take my kids back and fourth from there mom's is that allowed they go there wail I work
Those that travel to work in another county are allowed to do so. Those that work at Belton Regional Medical Center are part of an "essential" workplace, so there is no restriction.