MCPHERSON -- In response to what it called "the alarming increase in new COVID-19 cases" and the pressure put on local healthcare systems, the McPherson County Health Department (MCHD) and the McPherson County Board of County Commissioners/Board of Health are recommending McPherson County move back to Phase 2 of the Reopening Plan today.
On Friday, the health department reported 77 new confirmed COVID-19 cases since the previous report on Wednesday.
Phase 2 recommendations, provided by the health department, can be found below. They differ slightly from the previously released Phase 2 recommendations in May 2020. Questions should be directed to the MCHD email, [email protected].
Mass Gatherings
• No more than 15 individuals in a gathering where 6-foot distance cannot be maintained; this does not limit the total occupancy allowed in a facility/event if 6-foot distance is maintained between individuals at all times
Individuals
• Masks are strongly encouraged in settings where 6-foot distance is not maintained
• Maintain 6-foot distance in both indoor and outdoor settings
• High-risk individuals with underlying medical conditions should stay home except for essential needs
Employers
• Follow any sector specific guidance or mandates released by business licensors
• Telework is encouraged when possible
• Employees exhibiting illness should stay home and encouraged to seek medical care as needed
• Avoid gatherings greater than 15 individuals where 6-foot distance cannot be maintained
• Maintain 6-foot distance between workstations
Travel
• Minimize or avoid travel that isn’t for medical, family, or business-related needs
• KDHE travel-related quarantine mandates are still in effect for high-risk areas
Educational Facilities
• Continue to follow KSDE Navigating Change document and district plans
• Move to hybrid learning if applicable based on Risk Assessments and MCHD recommendation
• Higher education facilities should move learning online in settings that 6-foot distance is not maintained
• Events/activities should be postponed if 6-foot distance is not maintained
Large Entertainment Venues
• Outdoor and indoor large entertainment venues with capacity greater than 500 should not open
Fairs, Festivals, Carnivals, Parades
• Should not occur if people are gathering outside of vehicles
Swimming Pools
• Should not open except for first responder training, physical therapy use and athletic use
• When open for mentioned activities, 6-foot distance should be maintained
Senior Centers
• Closed except for essential meal services and transportation
Long Term Care Facilities, Nursing Homes, Assisted Living Facilities
• Discourage visitors unless facility can maintain 6-foot distance, mask usage and symptom screening/monitoringmof visitors
• Should continue to follow CMS, KDADS and KDHE guidelines and requirements
Correctional Facilities
• Discourage visitors unless facility can maintain 6-foot distance, mask usage and symptom screening/monitoring of visitors
Sports
• Groups greater than 15 should not occur when 6-foot distancing cannot be maintained
• Spectators are required to maintain 6-foot distancing; common seating like bleachers should not be used
• Players should limit time spent in huddles and close groups
• Practices should have time set aside to sanitize equipment/balls
• Concessions should close; players and spectators should bring their own beverages and not share among others
Meeting Rooms
• Each room should not exceed 15 persons if 6-foot distance cannot be maintained at all times
• Enhanced cleaning schedule before and after meetings
• Screen attendees before entering, require mask usage and register participants ahead of the meeting to avoid walk-in scenarios
Gyms, Fitness Centers
• Group classes greater than 15 should not occur
• Clean and disinfect equipment before and after use
• Space equipment apart by 6 feet or more
• Screen staff and patrons before entering the facility
• Locker rooms/showers can remain open if capacity is reduced to 50% and distancing and disinfecting practices are maintained
Childcare Facilities, Daycares
• Continue to follow guidelines from state licensures, KDHE and MCHD
• Screen employees and attendees before entering
• Identify then cohort/group classrooms together for out-of-classroom activities to reduce exposures across the facility
Religious Facilities, Churches
• Groups should not exceed 15 persons if 6-foot distance cannot be maintained at all times
• General recommendation and support for moving services and activities to a remote model
Restaurants, Bars
• Groups should not exceed 15 persons if 6-foot distance cannot be maintained at all times
• Recommendation to move services to carry-out and drive-thru if possible
• Screen employees and attendees before entering