WARRENSBURG, Mo. (Nov. 20, 2020) – A recent State of Missouri Public Health Warning issued by Governor Mike Parson places Johnson County in the Extreme Risk Level for COVID-19. This prompts the need for everyone to take additional safety precautions. Johnson County Community Health Services (JCCHS) urges everyone to follow the recent recommendations announced by Governor Parson.
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the State of Missouri’s COVID-19 advisory provides expectations for communities based upon current public health data. According to the health warning criteria, Johnson County is considered an Extreme Risk county. It is highly recommended the county follows the Category 1 County Action Plan which includes,
- Business occupancy limits should continue physical distancing of 6 feet.
- Social group size at 10 or less.
- Masks: Johnson County currently has a Face Covering Order. Masks are required in all offices and businesses where physical distancing is not possible.
The Public Health Warning issued by the governor also outlines specific recommendations, which should be followed by each individual, business, and local government agency to help slow the spread of COVID-19.
Personal Behavior Advisory
Personal responsibility continues to be the most effective way to prevent the spread. Taking these precautions can protect our families, neighbors, and communities. Everyone who is able should follow these basic principles:
- Wear a mask at all times in public and other settings outside your home where social distancing is not possible.
- Maintain a distance of at least 6 feet wherever possible, and limit close contacts with other individuals to less than 15 minutes.
- Wash hands multiple times a day.
- Stay home when sick or if you have symptoms. Self-isolate from other family members.
- As much as possible, limit your regular interactions to a small group (<10) of family members, friends, and/or co-workers if living in a Category 1 or 2 community.>less than 10) of family members, friends, and/or co-workers.
Business Advisory
In addition to the basic guidance for individuals, all businesses are advised to implement basic infection prevention measures informed by industry best practices:
- Modify physical workspaces to maximize and maintain social distancing.
- Develop an infectious disease preparedness and response plan, including policies and procedures for workforce contact tracing when an employee tests positive for COVID-19.
- Monitor workforce for indicative symptoms. Symptomatic people should not physically return to work until cleared by a medical provider.
- Develop, implement, and communicate about workplace flexibilities and protections, including:
- Encouraging telework whenever possible and feasible with business operations;
- Working in phases and/or split shifts, if possible;
- Limiting access to common areas where personnel are likely to congregate and interact; and
- Ensuring that sick leave policies are flexible and consistent with public health guidance.
Travel Advisory
We want to minimize the risks of COVID-19 spread within Missouri and across states, especially as we approach the holiday season.
- Minimize travel outside of Missouri. If traveling outside the state, please follow all guidance and requirements for your destination. Upon return, take as many precautions as possible, wear a mask, and monitor symptoms.
- If planning travel for gatherings during the holidays, especially those including individuals at high risk, encourage all people to self-isolate or isolate as family units as much as practicable in advance of any such gathering.
- Do not attend any gatherings, family or otherwise, if you have any symptoms
It will take each person to taking these safety precautions to help slow the spread. These preventative measures are vital to get us through the next couple months.
To see the governor’s statewide public health warning, visit https://governor.mo.gov/press-releases/archive/governor-parson-signs-executive-order-20-19-extending-state-emergency.
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