Nov 09, 2020

McPherson County: Back to modified Phase 2 due to rise in cases of COVID-19

Posted Nov 09, 2020 6:14 PM

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