By Allen Edmonds
HARRISONVILLE - Cass County Health Department Director Andrew Warlen, in consultation with the Cass County Commission, today issued an updated public health emergency order after Gov. Mike Parson issued his latest order regarding the COVID 19 pandemic.
Effective at midnight tonight, through 12:01 a.m. Monday, April 6:
Every person in the State of Missouri shall avoid social gatherings of more than ten (10) people. For purposes of this Order, "social gatherings" shall mean any planned or spontaneous event or convening that would bring together more than ten (10) people in a single space at the same time. Included in this order are religious gatherings and ceremonies.
All restaurants, bars, taverns, clubs and movie theaters are to be closed to the public. Establishments may continue to provide curbside, drive-through and delivery services.
People shall not visit nursing homes, long-term care facilities, retirement homes or assisted living homes unless to provide critical assistance.
Schools shall remain closed.
The Governor's order takes effect Sunday night at midnight. The county order pushes the effective date up 24 hours locally.
In a conference call today with the county's top five mayors, county officials decided not to join Kansas City and four other metropolitan area counties in issuing a full "stay-at-home" order, according to Presiding Commissioner Bob Huston. However, the group will again conference Monday morning to further discuss options.
Huston said individual cities are free to determine their own responses to the crisis, including more strict orders.
The case county in Cass County remains at 6, according to the Health Department. Follow the updated case county at https://www.casscounty.com/2450/COVID-19.
SCHOOLS
The Cooperating School Districts of Greater Kansas City today announced that school districts across the Kansas City region had agreed to keep schools closed in the area through April 24, after a group call with Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas.
The mayor also let schools know his new stay-at-home order would have exceptions to allow school district employees to continue the important work they are doing to feed children and provide academic opportunities.
“Our superintendents expressed their thanks to Mayor Lucas for his leadership in this coordinated, regional response,” said Kenny Southwick, executive director of the Cooperating Schools of Greater Kansas City.
Each district will communicate individually with its community to let students, staff and families know what this means to them. The Belton and Raymore-Peculiar districts have not announced plans, but both have coordinated with the CSGKC in the past.
HEALTH DEPARTMENT ADVICE
Meanwhile, according to the Health Department:
"We are strongly encouraging those over 60 years of age or with health issues to minimize in-person exposure to others. For those who are younger and in good health, please reach out to those in this group and pick up needed items for those who cannot get items themselves. Remember to drop off items at the door and to not make personal contact. We are continuously monitoring the evolving situation and working to ensure our community is prepared."
To reduce risk and prevent the spread of COVID-19, continue to follow these basic preventative measures:
Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol
Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
Stay home if you are sick
Cover coughs and sneezes using your elbow or shoulder rather than your hands
Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces frequently
If you suspect that you have COVID-19 or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, call your healthcare provider to let them know before seeking care. It is critical that your provider is aware you may have COVID-19 prior to your arrival at a healthcare facility, and that you follow all instructions for arriving at a healthcare facility.
For more information please visit our website at www.casscounty.com/2450/COVID-19 or call the State of Missouri Hotline at 1-877-435-8411.
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