Phased Reopening Plan - Updated on 06-15-20
COVID-19 Notices for Mitchell County, KS

Phase Out...as of 06-15-20
Cortney Murrow, Administrator, Mitchell County KS Health Department  

PURPOSE AND INTRODUCTION
The Mitchell County Phase Out Plan continues to follow the Ad Astra Plan developed by Governor Kelly. Mitchell County residents have done a remarkable job adhering to recommendations and requirements throughout the last few months, and that remains crucial moving forward. Our priorities remain to protect our most vulnerable populations, not overburden our healthcare resources, continuing to support economic activity, and preventing the spread of COVID-19 as best as possible. While we are moving into the Phase Out portion of reopening Mitchell County, our recommendations remain to practice social distancing, perform hand hygiene often, disinfect highly used surfaces often, and avoid contact with a known positive case.

SUMMARY OF KEY POINTS
  • Phase Out for Mitchell County began June 15th, 2020 at 12:01 a.m.
 
  • The Mitchell County Phase Out plan was developed following the guidance document received from Governor Kelly.
 
  • Phase Out will be a strong recommendation only, with emphasis placed on education to the public and mitigating the spread of COVID-19.
 
  • Mitchell County Health Department, Health Officer, and Board of Health will continue to evaluate the state’s disease spread, testing rates, death rates, hospitalizations, ability of state and local public health authorities to contain outbreaks and conduct contact tracing, and personal protective equipment availability.
 
  • While a defined mass gathering number will not be identified in the Phase Out Plan, we continue to urge community members to avoid large mass gatherings when possible.
 
  • Mass Gathering Definition: Mass gatherings are defined as instances in which individuals are in one location and are unable to maintain a 6-foot distance between individuals (not including individuals who reside together) with only infrequent or incidental moments of closer proximity.
 
Mitchell County Kansas Press Release,  06-12-20
Mitchell County will move out of the Phase 3 Plan and into the Phase Out Plan as of June 15th
Cortney Murrow, Administrator, Mitchell County KS Health Department 
 
Dear Mitchell County Residents,

As of Monday, June 15th Mitchell County will move out of the Phase 3 Plan and into the Phase Out Plan. The recommended changes occurring from Phase 3 to Phase Out are minimal, with the main component being there will no longer be a mass gathering size identified. With that being said, we continue to urge the community to proceed with caution and continue to do your part in preventing the spread of infection. The Mitchell County Phase Out Plan was developed following Governor Kelly’s Ad Astra: A Plan to Reopen Kansas.

In addition to the transition from Phase 3 to Phase Out, there are a few reminders we would like to provide going forward:
  • First, as a reminder the Mitchell County Health Department will no longer be providing individual press releases on all new Covid-19 cases in Mitchell County. With that being said, we will provide a press release if a situation warrants it, such as if an outbreak or cluster were to occur.
  • Next, local governments retain authority to impose equal or more stringent restrictions as appropriate, except as to essential functions identified in the KEFF. While Mitchell County does not have any stronger restrictions than the state at this time, it may be a possibility in the future based upon the current situation. KDHE does continue to have travel restrictions, as identified in both the Phase 3 Plan and Phase Out Plan.
  • Finally, businesses do possess the ability to impose stricter requirements, and we strongly encourage all business to follow the industry guidelines available at covid.ks.gov.
As the weather begins to warm up, events are being planned, and an increase in travel occurs, we want to again strongly encourage all Mitchell County residents to maintain social distancing when appropriate, continue hygiene protocols, and exercise additional caution when possible. Our community has thus far done a remarkable job in preventing the spread of COVID-19, and it is crucial we continue to do so moving forward.  
 
The Mitchell County Health Department, Board of Health, and Health Officer will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation daily and will update as events occur. We again want to thank all the residents of Mitchell County, as we greatly appreciate the patience and diligence demonstrated in recent months.

Sincerely,
Mitchell County Kansas Health Order, 2020-MCHD-008
Mitchell County rescinds all previous orders in place concerning the COVID-19 pandemic
Cortney Murrow, Administrator, Mitchell County KS Health Department  

June 1, 2020
 
Effective June 1st, 2020, at 10:00 a.m. the Board of Health hereby issues the following order for Mitchell County:
 
Mitchell County rescinds all previous orders in place concerning the COVID-19 pandemic, including the Mitchell County Phase 2 order and travel restriction order.
 
The basis for this order is:
 
In efforts to reduce exposure and prevent the spread of COVID-19,
 
This order will remain in effect until vacated by the Board of Health or Health Officer.  Any questions regarding this notice may be directed to Cortney Murrow, Mitchell County Health Department Administrator, at 785-738-5175, or in person at the Mitchell County Health Department, 310. W. 8th St. Beloit, KS  67420
 
Sincerely
MC Phase 3 Plan Information, 06-01-20
Cortney Murrow, Administrator, Mitchell County KS Health Department  

PURPOSE AND INTRODUCTION
The Mitchell County Phase 3 Plan transitions from restrictions to strong recommendations only for individuals and businesses. Now, more than ever, it is crucial to Mitchell County residents to remain diligent in their actions moving forward. Priorities remain to protect our most vulnerable populations, not overburden our healthcare resources, restarting our economic activity, and preventing the spread of COVID-19 as best as possible. Phase 3 of Mitchell County’s Plan for Re-Opening has been developed following the direction and guidance received by Governor Kelly.

SUMMARY OF KEY POINTS
  • Phase 3 for Mitchell County began June 1st, 2020 at 10:00 a.m.
  • A phased in approach will continue to be taken, following the guidance document received from Governor Kelly.
  • Phase 3 will be a strong recommendation only, with emphasis placed on education to the public and mitigating the spread of COVID-19.
  • Mitchell County Health Department, Health Officer, and Board of Health will continue to evaluate the state’s disease spread, testing rates, death rates, hospitalizations, ability of state and local public health authorities to contain outbreaks and conduct contact tracing, and personal protective equipment availability.
  • A recommendation will be made for Phase 3 for Mass Gathering size.
 
  • Mass Gathering Definition: Mass gatherings are defined as instances in which individuals are in one location and are unable to maintain a 6-foot distance between individuals (not including individuals who reside together) with only infrequent or incidental moments of closer proximity.
 
  • Mitchell County does reserve the right to implement further restrictions if a surge of COVID-19 cases emerges, the decisions will be based on the situation at that time.

  • Click to View the Entire Document (PDF)

The following information is now "rescinded" and does not apply.

Mitchell County will continue to follow the Mitchell County Plan for Re-Opening Phase 2 until further notice.

PUBLIC HEALTH ORDER NUMBER: 2020-MCHD-007

RE:  Mitchell County Plan for Re-Opening Phase 2
 
Effective May 27th, 2020, at 12:01 a.m. the Board of Health / Health Officer hereby issues the following order for the phase re-opening of Mitchell County:
 
Mitchell County will continue to follow the Mitchell County Plan for Re-Opening Phase 2 until further notice.
 
The basis for this order is:
 
In efforts to reduce exposure and prevent the spread of COVID-19.
 
This order will remain in effect until vacated by the Board of Health or Health Officer.  Any questions regarding this notice may be directed to Cortney Murrow, Mitchell County Health Department Administrator, at 785-738-5175, or in person at the Mitchell County Health Department, 310 W. 8th St Beloit, KS 67420.
The following information is now "rescinded" and does not apply.

From the MCKS Health Dept. - Phase 2 Information Related to MCKS
  • Read Info (PDF) - updated 05-27-20
    ...and or scroll down
PURPOSE AND INTRODUCTION to Phase 2 in Mitchell County
Phase 2 in Mitchell County allows for a gradual loosening to restrictions in place for both individuals and businesses. It is vital we proceed forward purposefully and with attentiveness as we continue to ensure our healthcare resources are not overburdened, while also protecting the safety of our most vulnerable populations. Phase 2 of Mitchell County’s Plan for Re-Opening has been developed following the direction and guidance received by Governor Kelly.

Restarting economic activity remains a priority in Mitchell County, along with keeping our community safe and limiting the spread of COVID-19. In our efforts to continue to move forward in the following days, it is critical that the community as a whole remain cautious in our steps onward. To limit the potential of returning to the “Stay Home” order or an extension of any of the phases, we urge all citizens of Mitchell County to be diligent in following the plan developed for Phase 2.

SUMMARY OF KEY POINTS
  • Phase 2 for Mitchell County began May 22nd, 2020 at 12:01 a.m. An order was placed in Mitchell County to continue to follow Phase 2 effective May 27th, 2020 at 12:01 a.m.
 
  • A phased in approach will continue to be taken, following the guidance document received from Governor Kelly.
 
  • Mitchell County Health Department, Health Officer, and Board of Health will evaluate the state’s disease spread, testing rates, death rates, hospitalizations, ability of state and local public health authorities to contain outbreaks and conduct contact tracing, and personal protective equipment availability when determining if the state should move to the next phase of the plan.
 
  • An order will be placed for each phase. With each order, a mass gathering limit will be identified prohibiting mass gatherings of more than the determined size.
 
  • Mass Gathering Definition: Mass gatherings are defined as instances in which individuals are in one location and are unable to maintain a 6-foot distance between individuals (not including individuals who reside together) with only infrequent or incidental moments of closer proximity.

  • All businesses not specifically identified in each phase of the reopening plan will be allowed to reopen unless Mitchell County or the Mitchell County Health Department issues an order prohibiting such businesses from opening. Each business and entity that will not be allowed to be open will be identified in each phase.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES TO BE FOLLOWED THROUGH EACH PHASE
  • County restrictions must allow for the actions included in each phase. To move from one phase to the next, the following criteria must be met:
    • Disease spread is stable or declining over a 14-day period
    • Hospitals identify a decreasing number of new COVID-19 admissions, with a stable or downward trajectory of the COVID-19 inpatient counts within a 14-day period
    • Decreasing number of COVID-19 deaths within a 14-day period
    • Sufficient testing supplies and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must be available
    • The public health systems must be able to promptly identify and isolate infected individuals and identify and quarantine necessary contacts
  • When able, staying home is recommended, especially for the vulnerable and high-risk population
  • Social distancing measures should continue to be followed:
    • Stay 6 feet away from people when possible
    • Limit non-essential travel
    • Limit interaction with people not in the same household when possible
  • Masks are recommended to be worn in public
  • Practice good hygiene (i.e. washing hands with soap and water, using hand sanitizer); Disinfect surfaces frequently
  • Avoid touching your face, mouth, nose, or eyes
  • Follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) for updated list of symptoms of COVID-19
    • Symptoms include (but are not limited to): fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, headache, chills, aches, fatigue, loss of smell or taste, nausea/vomiting, and diarrhea
  • Businesses, organizations, or facilities may have stricter regulations than what are listed below, but may not have less strict regulations
The following activities and venues DO NOT OPEN in this Phase (2):
  • Outdoor and indoor large entertainment venues with capacity of 2,000 or more.
  • Fairs, festivals, carnival, and parades
  • Summer camps
  • Swimming pools, other than single-family backyard pools or pools being used only for physical therapy or first responder training

  • Read Full Document of Related Info (PDF) - updated 05-27-20
Mitchell County Kansas  Emergency Management
David Dohe - Director
Public Health & NC Kansas Home Health Agency
Cortney Murrow, Administrator
Mitchell County Kansas Government
Chris Treaster, Mitchell County Clerk
111 S Hersey
PO Box 190
Beloit, KS  67420
Solomon Valley Econ Development
Emily Benedick
Solomon Valley Economic Development​
209 East Main, #104
​Beloit, KS 67420
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