MCKS, COVID-19 Press Releases

Press Releases, Log Record 2 - COVID-19 Notices for Mitchell County, KS
01-04-20 through 07-02-20

There are 13 Press Releases provided on this page in dated order...

Most recent include.... please scroll down to view all.

01-04-20, Expect To See The Impact From The Holidays On Covid-19 Spread
12-21-20, Information About Distribution of COVID-19 Vaccine In Mitchell County
12-04-20, Shortened Quarantine Periods For Individuals Exposed To A COVID-19 Positive Person
11-18-20, Significant Increases of COVID-19 Throughout MC Communities
11-18-20, Governor Laura Kelly Announces New Steps to Slow the Spread of COVID-19
11-11-20, Modified Quarantines For Close Contacts Of Positive COVID-19
10-30-20, Per COVID - Take Precaution & Remain Meticulous About Protecting Yourself & Others
09-04-20, Significant Increase In Cases in Kansas & More Recently Within Mitchell County
07-17-20, About The Recent Surge of COVID Cases In MC - Commonly Asked Questions
07-10-20, Significant Increase in COVID-19 in Mitchell County, 9 Active Cases
07-08-20, 5th & 6th Cases of COVID-19 in Mitchell County
07-06-20, MC Board of Health Will Not Override Executive Order No. 20-52 Requiring Masks
07-02-20, Information Per Forthcoming (July 3) Executive Order Regarding Use of Masks
View Press releases March thru June 26, 2020

View Full List of MCKS COVID-19 Info On This Site

Mitchell County Kansas Press Release, 01-04-20
Expect To See The Impact From The Holidays On Covid-19 Spread
Cortney Murrow, Administrator, Mitchell County KS Health Department

Dear Mitchell County Residents,

The holiday season has resulted in an increase in travel, gatherings, and risk of exposure. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, COVID-19 cases and deaths are continuing to rise across the United States, including 1,436,460 cases in the last 7 days as of January 3, 2021. While Mitchell County did see a slight decrease in cases over the last couple of weeks, we fully understand how quickly that can change for our community.

Over the next few weeks, we are expected to see the impact from the holidays on COVID-19 spread. We are continuing to highly encourage the use of masks, social distancing, frequent hand hygiene, disinfecting highly used surfaces often, and avoiding gatherings and crowds when possible. Furthermore, if you or a family member develops symptoms consistent with COVID-19, please stay home and distance from other individuals in your household if able to. While the distribution of the COVID vaccine is a crucial step forward for public health, the availability of the vaccine continues to remain limited. We are asking for everyone to continue to remain diligent in your efforts to reduce the spread of infection.

Many are aware of an outbreak impacting a local facility in our community. At this time, details are limited in order to protect private health information. With that being said, please know that efforts are in place to mitigate continued spread of infection and keep our community members as safe as possible. More information is expected be released as it becomes available.

Lastly, we are continuing to receive many questions regarding when the COVID vaccine will be made available to the public. At this time, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment has not released that information. With that being said, if you would like to be placed on the health department notification list, please do so by calling the Mitchell County Health Department at 785-738-5175. Reminder, per CDC and KDHE, the vaccine will be administered to priority groups first. Being placed on the notification list does not guarantee you will receive the COVID vaccine when the next allotment arrives.

Again, thank you to all of our health care workers and community members for their patience and vigilance. We understand it has been difficult and we appreciate the hard work by everyone.

Sincerely,

Mitchell County Kansas Press Release, 12-21-20
Information About Distribution of COVID-19 Vaccine In Mitchell County
Cortney Murrow, Administrator, Mitchell County KS Health Department

Dear Mitchell County Residents,

At the end of last week, the Mitchell County Hospital received the first round of COVID-19 vaccine and began the process of administering to healthcare workers in Mitchell County. This was a very exciting step forward in our efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in our community and protect our healthcare workers. Based upon information received from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), the health department is expected to receive COVID-19 vaccine this week, which will be aimed at vaccinating EMS, health department staff, and healthcare workers, per the KDHE COVID-19 vaccination plan. This is another crucial step forward for our community.

With the beginning of COVID-19 vaccine administration occurring in our county, we have received many questions in regards to when the vaccine will be available to the general public. At this time, KDHE has prioritized health care personnel, long-term care facilities, EMS, and public health workers as the first group to receive the vaccine. In late winter, essential workers will be the next group to be offered COVID-19 vaccine, including first responders, critical infrastructure workers, education, and individuals at high risk for adverse health outcomes. Next, all other adults are anticipated to be offered vaccine in the spring, and children during the summer. Please keep in mind, all information provided by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment is subject to change based upon current circumstances. Furthermore, the Mitchell County Health Department will notify the public on multiple media platforms when vaccine is available.

While the beginning of COVID-19 vaccination provides a much-needed glimmer of hope, vaccine availability continues to remain limited. It is critical we all continue to do our part in preventing the spread of infection, especially with the upcoming holidays. Please wear a mask, self-monitor for symptoms, wash your hands often, disinfect highly used surfaces frequently, limit travel and gatherings, and so on. The risk of spread remains high during this time, so we are highly encouraging everyone to please continue to protect our vulnerable populations and health care resources. As a reminder, modified quarantines are an option if both the positive individual and the close contact are wearing a mask at the time of exposure.

Although previously mentioned, we cannot stress enough the importance of washing your hands, social distancing at least 6 feet or more, wear a mask, cover coughs and sneezes, monitor your health daily, and please stay home when feeling ill. If you feel you need to seek medical attention, please do so by calling your physician. Reminder, please do not arrive at the clinic or hospital prior to calling ahead. We also cannot thank everyone enough for your continued patience and vigilance, especially during the holiday season. Finally, a big thank-you to our health care workers continuing to make the patients of Mitchell County a priority every day!

Sincerely,

Mitchell County Kansas Press Release, 12-04-20
Shortened Quarantine Periods For Individuals Exposed To A COVID-19 Positive Person
Cortney Murrow, Administrator, Mitchell County KS Health Department

Dear Mitchell County Residents,
As many are aware, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment released a press release on Wednesday, December 2nd discussing the option for shortened quarantine periods for individuals exposed to a COVID-19 positive person. KDHE left the decision up to each individual county as to whether we would opt in to the proposed changes, or stay at the original 14-day quarantine. After consulting with the Mitchell County Medical Officer, the Mitchell County Health Department will opt in and allow the shortened quarantine periods, with the following considerations.

The quarantine begins from the date of last exposure to the positive COVID person. For individuals not testing, the quarantine will be a full 10 days, with self-monitoring of symptoms for the full 14 days. For individuals who do get tested, the quarantine period will be a full 7 days, with self-monitoring for the full 14 days. Please be aware, availability of testing supplies and personal protective equipment is at times limited, and testing may be prioritized based upon highest need. The incubation period for COVID-19 remains 2-14 days post-exposure, so it is crucial to self-monitor for symptoms the entire 14 days and stay home if symptoms develop.

The Mitchell County Health Department will continue to allow modified quarantines for cases in which both the positive person and close contact are wearing a mask, so please everyone do your part and wear a mask. Furthermore, every case in situational, which may cause the option for a modified quarantine or a shortened quarantine to vary. The option for a shortened quarantine will be effective as of December 3, 2020.

At the health department, we have received an increase in questions regarding a vaccine for COVID-19. While information from KDHE remains to be preliminary, the health department has completed and submitted all the necessary paperwork in order to provide vaccine when available. We do expect a phased approach to be taken, with essential workers and vulnerable populations being of highest priority initially. We have also developed distribution plans and are actively working with our health care partners to ensure when a vaccine is available, we are ready.

Lastly, we cannot stress enough the importance of washing your hands, social distancing at least 6 feet or more, wear a mask, cover coughs and sneezes, monitor your health daily, and please stay home when feeling ill. If you feel you need to seek medical attention, please do so by calling your physician. Reminder, please do not arrive at the clinic or hospital prior to calling ahead. Thank you to everyone for your continued patience and vigilance, especially during the holiday season. Also, a big thank-you to our health care workers continuing to make the patients of Mitchell County a priority every day!

Sincerely,

Mitchell County Kansas Press Release, 11-18-20
Significant Increases of COVID-19 Throughout MC Communities
Cortney Murrow, Administrator, Mitchell County KS Health Department

Dear Mitchell County Residents,

Mitchell County has continued to witness significant increases of COVID-19 throughout our communities, placing greater impacts on our healthcare and school systems. The following statement was given by Jeremy Armstrong, CEO of the Mitchell County Hospital Health Systems, on Tuesday, November 17th, 2020.

“MCHHS has experienced a significant surge in the number of COVID-19 positive patients and staff. Mitchell County Hospital Health Systems currently has 5 positive patients in their COVID Unit and 3 positive patients in the Special Care Unit. Two residents in the Resident Care Center also tested positive. MCHHS is sad to report the death of 2 Special Care Unit patients who were COVID-19 positive. The patients were admissions from out of state. Hospital administration is asking that the community put the health of our community first and wear a mask, socially distance, avoid gatherings of any size, wash your hands frequently, and stay home when you are sick.”

In addition to the 2 deaths reported from the Special Care Unit, a wedding that took place in Beloit, KS on November 7th, 2020 has been linked to multiple positive patients over the past week and a half. Due to the number of positive cases resulting from this event, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment has deemed it to fit outbreak criteria. If you attended this wedding and are showing symptoms of COVID-19, please isolate at home and call your doctor if you feel you need to be medically evaluated.

On Monday, November 16th, 2020 the Mitchell County Commissioners, acting in their capacity as the Mitchell County Board of Health, did make a motion to recommend the wearing of masks due to increased COVID-19 cases in Mitchell County. Within the motion made by Mike Cooper and seconded by Tom Claussen, there was a recommendation to maintain social distancing and to limit gatherings, as well as asking that all businesses participate in the recommendation. These recommendations are in conjunction with Executive Order No. 20-52 placed by Governor Laura Kelly, requiring masks or other face coverings in public settings. The motion was carried by a unanimous vote. While a mass gathering limit is not in place for Mitchell County, this is a current topic of discussion and will be further discussed in the upcoming weeks.

As stated in a previous press release, with the holiday season upon us now is the time for everyone to please do your part to ensure the health and safety of our community, including our vulnerable populations. Thank you for everyone doing your part in preventing the spread of COVID-19.

Sincerely,

For Immediate Release: November 18, 2020
Governor Laura Kelly Announces New Steps to Slow the Spread of COVID-19

Contact: Lauren Fitzgerald, Press Secretary lauren.fitzgerald@ks.gov

TOPEKA- Governor Laura Kelly today announced several new steps her administration is taking to combat the spike in COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths. The new plan includes a public health campaign, community engagement conversations and an executive order establishing a statewide face-covering protocol as part of her administrations all-of-the-above strategy to keep Kansans healthy, keep schools and businesses open, and protect Kansas economy.

“As COVID-19 continues to spread through Kansas communities and hospitalizations increase at concerning rates, it is clear we must take action to protect our communities and our economy”, Governor Laura Kelly said. “Today’s actions are a bipartisan package of recommendations from legislators, health professionals, and business leaders to increase participation in commonsense COVID-19 prevention practices.”

E.O. #20-68 takes effect beginning 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, November 25, and will remain in place until rescinded or until the current statewide State of Disaster Emergency expires whichever is earlier.

“My administration recognizes that each Kansas county is faced with unique challenges and a one-size-fits-all approach can be difficult for some communities to navigate”, Governor Kelly said. “The order allows local officials one week to craft and implement their own version of a face covering ordinance that works for them and their communities.”

Under the order, Kansans shall wear face coverings when inside public spaces, or in situations where physical distancing of 6 feet cannot be maintained. Guidance regarding specific locations or situations in which face coverings should be worn is outlined within the order.

Kansans under five years of age, those with medical conditions, and others outlined in the order are exempt from face covering protocol.

VClick Here to view E.O. #20-68

In addition to the face-covering protocol, the Kelly administration is partnering with The Leadership Center to mobilize its alumni base, which is nearly 12,000 strong, to mobilize and lead virtual non-partisan convenings across Kansas beginning the week of November 17 and concluding by late December. The project will dramatically increase the number of local leaders, pastors, coaches, neighborhood leaders, business owners, community officials, and others to use their influence to combat the virus.

This week, Governor Kelly also approved CARES Act funding to assist a coalition of stakeholders including the Kansas Hospital Association, Kansas Chamber of Commerce, Kansas Farm Bureau, and others, to create a statewide public health campaign to begin next week. The campaign will encourage Kansans to follow the best practices, encourage voluntary testing, avoid mass gatherings, and use face-coverings.

Mitchell County Kansas Press Release, 11-11-20
Modified Quarantines For Close Contacts Of Positive COVID-19
Cortney Murrow, Administrator, Mitchell County KS Health Department

Dear Mitchell County Residents,

The Mitchell County Health Department, in collaboration with the Mitchell County Medical Officer and Board of Health, will begin allowing modified quarantines for close contacts of positive COVID-19 patients if BOTH the individual who tested positive and the close contact are wearing a mask. This is in an effort to encourage the use of masks, decrease the spread of COVID-19, and continue to allow individuals who have not tested positive to work. Confirmed positive individuals will continue to be required to isolate at home. Please note, this will vary based upon each individual circumstance and the modified quarantine needs to be approved by the health department prior to doing so. A modified quarantine will allow contacts to continue to work outside of the home if necessary, but the contact must continue to quarantine when not at work. This means gatherings and events will continue to not be allowed for close contacts during the modified quarantine period.

With the modified quarantine, a business or workplace does retain the right to not allow an employee who has been identified as a close contact to come to work. Additionally, a modified quarantine will not be approved if either the positive individual or the close contact is not wearing a mask. As stated previously, modified quarantines will be situational, with the possibility of returning to full quarantines of individuals based upon the current condition in Mitchell County.

As many are aware, Mitchell County has witnessed a significant increase in cases over the last few weeks. As of Tuesday, November 10th at 5:00 p.m., Mitchell County had 33 active cases, with 102 total cases since March. We cannot stress enough the importance of washing your hands, social distancing at least 6 feet of distance or more, wear a mask, cover coughs and sneezes, monitor your health daily, and please stay home when feeling ill. If you feel you need to seek medical attention, please do so by calling your physician. Reminder, please do not arrive at the clinic or hospital prior to calling ahead.

Going into the holiday season, now is the time for everyone to please do your part to ensure the health and safety of our community, including our vulnerable populations. We want to thank our community members for their continued diligence in preventing the spread of infection and patience moving forward.

Sincerely,

Mitchell County Kansas Press Release, 10-30-20
Per COVID - Take Precaution & Remain Meticulous About Protecting Yourself & Others
Cortney Murrow, Administrator, Mitchell County KS Health Department

Dear Mitchell County Residents,

Upcoming holidays throughout the next couple of months are traditionally a time for gathering as friends and family. With the continued increase of positive cases throughout Kansas, we would like everyone to remain meticulous in protecting yourself and others. As most are aware, there have been many clusters and outbreaks identified in Kansas, including 277 clusters in long term care facilities, resulting in 4,158 cases, 479 hospitalizations, and 479 deaths as of October 29th, 2020. One of the most recent, and notable, long term care facility outbreaks took place in Norton County, resulting in 94 cases within 14 days. Overall, Kansas currently has 261 active clusters, resulting in 8,078 cases, 287 hospitalizations, and 200 deaths. All data included was reported by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

If you have been identified as a close contact to a confirmed positive COVID-19 patient, please quarantine at home and away from other individuals. Also, please quarantine at home if you are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, including, but are not limited to, fever, headache, shortness of breath, body aches, loss of taste and smell, muscles aches, runny nose, congestion, and so on. If you feel you need to seek medical attention, please do so by calling your physician. Reminder, please do not arrive at the clinic or hospital prior to calling ahead. These actions are crucial in reducing the chance of exposure to our health care providers, and allow for the most efficient usage of our health care resources.
How else can you protect yourself and others?

Wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, use hand sanitizer if hand washing is not an option.
Avoid close contact and social distance when possible, at least 6 feet of distance.
Use a cloth face cover / mask to cover your mouth and nose when around others.
Cover coughs and sneezes.
Clean and disinfect highly used surfaces often.
Monitor your health daily, including temperature and symptoms of COVID-19.
Avoid unnecessary travel when possible and plan ahead if traveling is unavoidable.
Avoid mass gatherings or events, especially if social distancing will be difficult to maintain.

ogether we can all do our part to ensure the health and safety of our community, including our vulnerable populations. We want to thank our community members for their continued diligence in preventing the spread of infection and patience moving forward.

Sincerely,

Mitchell County Kansas Press Release, 09-04-20
Significant Increase In Cases in Kansas & More Recently Within Mitchell County
Cortney Murrow, Administrator, Mitchell County KS Health Department

Dear Mitchell County Residents,

The last two weeks have brought a significant increase in cases in Kansas, and more recently within Mitchell County. While multiple factors have led to the increase in cases throughout Kansas, a few include an increase of travel, a rise in the number of gatherings, and the return of students in a classroom setting. While Mitchell County has witnessed numerous cases over the last few days, we have also been fortunate to continue to have our students remain in the classroom setting thus far. Our goal is to continue to keep students attending in-person school as much as possible, while also protecting our vulnerable population and ensuring health care resources are not overwhelmed.

As of September 4th, 2020, at 8:00 a.m., Mitchell County has 10 active cases, 40 total cases since March, and no known hospitalizations. With that being said, we urge everyone to take caution with the upcoming holiday weekend, and limit potential exposures as much as possible. It is crucial if you have been identified as a known contact of a confirmed positive COVID-19 patient to please quarantine at home. Additionally, if you or your family develops any symptoms of COVID-19 please isolate at home away from other individuals and notify the Mitchell County Health Department and your physician. Symptoms of COVID-19 include, but are not limited to, fever, headache, shortness of breath, body aches, loss of taste and smell, muscles aches, runny nose, congestion, and so on.

As a reminder, please do not arrive at the clinic or hospital prior to calling ahead. These actions are crucial in reducing the chance of exposure to our health care providers, and allow for the most efficient usage of our health care resources. Our community members have remained diligent over recent months in preventing the spread of infection. We ask for everyone to continue to do so, as together we can do our best to ensure the health and safety of our community, while giving our students the best opportunity for in-class learning.

Sincerely,

Mitchell County Kansas Press Release, 07-17-20
About The Recent Surge of COVID Cases In MC - Commonly Asked Questions
Cortney Murrow, Administrator, Mitchell County KS Health Department

Dear Mitchell County Residents,

In the last two weeks both Kansas and Mitchell County have witnessed a significant increase in positive COVID-19 cases. While there are multiple reasons that may have attributed to this surge, a few items include an increase in non-essential travel, greater testing capabilities, and identification of a wider array of symptoms. For Mitchell County specifically, common symptoms recently identified consist of headaches, diarrhea, body aches, exhaustion, nasal congestion, sore throat, and a dry cough. With that being said, the current case count for Mitchell County as of July 17th at 8:30 a.m. is 18 active cases, taking our total to 22 since March 2020.

For this press release, we are going to address a couple commonly asked questions, the first being why our case count on the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) website does not match the count we are releasing from the health department. Due to the rise of cases being reported to KDHE, there may be a lag between the time our lab notifies KDHE of the confirmed positive COVID-19 case and KDHE staff being able input the case into their system. Additionally, KDHE is only updating their website three times per week, and often by the time the data is extracted from the KDHE system and uploaded onto their website, we have received additional cases.

Next, we have received many requests for general data and statistics regarding COVID-19 cases. As of July 15th, Kansas has reported 20,933 positive cases. It is important to note this is a running total and not currently active cases. Per KDHE, while we have witnessed an increasing trend in cases in Kansas, we continue to have a decreasing trend in hospitalizations and deaths. At this time, Kansas is averaging approximately 400 new cases per day, the majority between the ages of 18 to 34 years old, with the average age being 39-years-old. Our percent of positive (the percent of all tests being completed that are coming back with a positive result) is 8.7%, increasing slightly in recent weeks. Lastly, KDHE has identified 122 active clusters in Kansas at this time, attributing to 4,074 of the positive cases or approximately 33%.

Please note, if you develop symptoms of COVID-19 (i.e. fever, shortness of breath, cough, headache, body aches, and so on), or are a potential close contact of someone with a laboratory confirmed case of COVID-19, please contact your health care provider prior to arriving at the facility. Please do not arrive at the clinic or the hospital prior to calling ahead. These actions will reduce the chance of exposure to our health care providers, and allow for the most efficient usage of our health care resources. Furthermore, please continue to show kindness and patience towards each other as we continue to navigate this pandemic together. We appreciate the tremendous effort put worth by our community members in reducing exposure and preventing the spread of infection.

Sincerely,

Mitchell County Kansas Press Release, 07-10-20
Significant Increase in COVID-19 in Mitchell County, 9 Active Cases
Cortney Murrow, Administrator, Mitchell County KS Health Department

Dear Mitchell County Residents,
In the last 4 days Mitchell County has witnessed a significant increase of COVID-19 patients in our community. We currently have 9 active cases, giving Mitchell County a total of 13 positive cases identified since March. The Mitchell County Health Department is working to identify all close contacts and quarantine individuals as necessary. With that being said, we wanted to remind everyone that contact investigations take time to complete and the health department staff are working as quickly as possible to identify and notify all contacts.

If you are concerned you were a potential close contact of a COVID positive patient, meaning that you were within 6 feet for longer than 10 minutes, and you have not yet been notified by the health department, please quarantine in your home and monitor for symptoms. If you develop any symptoms, such as fever, headache, shortness of breath, body aches, loss of taste and smell, muscle aches, and so on please notify your physician.

The increase in positive cases being identified both throughout Kansas and in Mitchell County demonstrates how crucial it is to take necessary precautions to prevent exposure and spread of COVID-19. It is important to note, you may be contagious with COVID-19 and not actively have a temperature.

How can you protect yourself and others?

Wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, use hand sanitizer if hand washing is not an option.
Avoid close contact and social distance when possible, at least 6 feet of distance.
Use a cloth face cover / mask to cover your mouth and nose when around others.
Cover coughs and sneezes.
Clean and disinfect highly used surfaces often.
Monitor your health daily, including temperature and symptoms of COVID-19.

If you develop symptoms of COVID-19, or are a potential close contact of someone with a laboratory confirmed case of COVID-19, please contact your health care provider prior to arriving at the facility. Please do not arrive at the clinic or the hospital prior to calling ahead. These actions will reduce the chance of exposure to our health care providers, and allow for the most efficient usage of our health care resources. We want to thank our community members for their continued diligence in preventing the spread of infection and patience as we move forward.

Sincerely,

Mitchell County Kansas Press Release, 07-7,8-20
5th & 6th Cases of COVID-19 in Mitchell County
Cortney Murrow, Administrator, Mitchell County KS Health Department

July 8th, 2020

Since the release of today's case count, the health department has been notified of a 6th case in Mitchell County to an individual with a known exposure. All contacts have been notified and are maintaining in-home quarantine. A press release is not planned to be released on this case at this time, and no further information on the patient will be provided.

The increase in positive cases being identified both throughout Kansas and in Mitchell County demonstrates how crucial it is to take the necessary precautions to prevent exposure and spread of COVID-19.
Thank you!

Cortney Murrow, RN/BSN, Administrator
Mitchell County Health Department

July 7th, 2020

Dear Mitchell County Residents,

The Mitchell County Health Department received notification today confirming our fifth positive case of COVID-19 in Mitchell County. As with our previous confirmed cases, we are continuing to work closely with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment during this time.
The positive individual is currently maintaining in-home isolation and is stable. The Mitchell County Health Department has identified contacts and will monitor for fever and respiratory symptoms. No further information will be given on the patient.

If you develop symptoms of COVID-19 (i.e. cough, fever, shortness of breath, loss of taste/smell, and so on) or are a potential direct contact of someone with a laboratory confirmed case of COVID-19, please contact your health care provider prior to arriving at the facility. Please do not arrive at the clinic or the hospital prior to calling ahead. These actions will reduce the chance of exposure to our health care providers, and allow for the most efficient usage of our health care resources.

Additionally, contact the Mitchell County Health Department to report any travel or a potential exposure with a positive COVID-19 patient. We will be able to provide guidance and education based on the information provided. To contact the Mitchell County Health Department, please call 785-738-5175.

Now more than ever it is important to limit your risk of exposure and do your part in preventing the spread of COVID-19. We encourage everyone to implement social distancing, hand hygiene, disinfect highly used surfaces often, wear a mask, and follow guidance received from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. All health care providers in our community are working together to safely and efficiently address your health care needs. Thank you for your participation in keeping yourselves, your families and your communities safe and healthy.

Sincerely,

Mitchell County Kansas Press Release, 07-06-20
MC Board of Health Will Not Override Executive Order No. 20-52 Requiring Masks
Chris Treaster, County Clerk, Mitchell County KS

Dear Mitchell County Residents,

At the weekly Mitchell County Commissioner meeting this morning it was decided the Mitchell County Board of Health will not place a resolution overriding Executive Order No. 20-52 requiring masks or other face coverings in public implemented by Governor Kelly on July 3rd, 2020. With that being said, due to enforcement limitations and a strong emphasis on the importance of personal accountability, it was furthermore decided Mitchell County will also not enforce the Executive Order.

The decisions made by the Mitchell County Board of Health does not come lightly, with understanding that further restrictions may be essential in the future based upon current events at that time. Additionally, the Board of Health does strongly recommend the use of masks while in public settings to assist with preventing the spread of COVID-19. Masks remain to only be one piece of the puzzle, continuing with the recommendations of social distancing, hand hygiene, disinfecting highly used surfaces often, limiting non-essential travel, and so on are also critical to limit exposure and decrease risk for infection.

The Mitchell County Commissioners / Board of Health does support businesses in our county that have chosen to make masks mandatory while in their facility. Many local businesses are strongly recommended or required to follow organizational guidance set forth and have worked meticulously to protect themselves and community members throughout the pandemic. As stated in previous press releases from the Mitchell County Health Department, please continue to proceed with patience and understanding in months to come.

Lastly, a significant rise in travel, events, and gatherings throughout Kansas have contributed to a noticeable increase in positive COVID-19 cases and close contacts in our state. Now, more than ever, it is important to remain steadfast in efforts to decrease the spread of infection. We would like to thank our community members for the tremendous efforts demonstrated in recent months and urge everyone to continue with the same diligence moving forward.

On behalf of the Mitchell County Commissioners,

Mitchell County Kansas Press Release, 07-02-20
Information Per (July 3) Executive Order Regarding Use of Masks
Cortney Murrow, Administrator, Mitchell County KS Health Department

Dear Mitchell County Residents,

Earlier this week Governor Kelly announced she will sign an Executive Order requiring the majority of Kansans to wear a mask while in a public space. The Executive Order is intended to go into effect on July 3rd, 2020 at 12:01 a.m. At the health department, we have received many questions and concerns in regards to how this will affect our community. Although the Executive Order was announced on Monday, it was not released until this morning and our staff will be working today to review the order and gain further understanding. Additionally, the Mitchell County Board of Health (County Commissioners) are also expected to address the Executive Order next week.

With that being said, businesses in our community, whether following organizational guidance or a choice made by the business owner, may require the use of masks while in their facility. The businesses in our county have put forth a tremendous effort to protect themselves and members of our community while in their facilities, and during this time it is important to continue to proceed with the same patience and understanding in the months to come.

Additionally, with an increase of positive cases throughout Kansas and an increase in events occurring within our county, we urge everyone to continue to proceed with caution. If you have acquaintances that will be traveling from outside our county please ensure all measures are being taken to reduce exposure to COVID-19 and reduce the spread of infection. While attending events or gatherings, please follow recommendations put forth by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, including social distancing, hand hygiene, masks in public when appropriate, and so on.

Lastly, if you have come into contact with a known positive COVID-19 person, contact the Mitchell County Health Department for further education and guidance. If you are showing symptoms of COVID-19, please call ahead to your health care provider for further instructions prior to arriving at the facility. We thank all our community members for diligence demonstrated in recent months and encourage everyone to continue the same efforts moving forward.

Mitchell County Kansas Press Release, 06-26-20
Remain Diligent As Significant Increase Active Outbreaks Of COVID-19 In Area & State
Cortney Murrow, Administrator, Mitchell County KS Health Department

Dear Mitchell County Residents,

Over the last week Kansas has witnessed a significant increase in the number of active outbreaks of COVID-19 throughout the state, including an outbreak occurring in a surrounding area. While the full extent of that outbreak has yet to be determined, a notable increase of positive COVID-19 cases in our region may occur.

Currently, Mitchel County remains at four cases, none of which are active at this time. With that being said, a rise in travel, events, and activities increases the risk of exposure to our community members. We highly encourage everyone to remain diligent in protecting yourself and others as we continue to navigate through the pandemic.

As a reminder, COVID-19 is a virus that is spread from person-to-person while in close contact, within about 6 feet, through respiratory droplets produced when an infectious person sneezes, coughs or talks. To help prevent the spread of the virus it is recommended to please wash your hands often, use hand sanitizer when hand washing is not available, social distance by avoiding close contact with other individuals, cover coughs and sneezes, cover your mouth and nose with a cloth mask when around others, clean and disinfect often, and monitor changes in your health. Furthermore, be aware of travel restrictions set by KDHE requiring mandatory quarantines upon arrival back into Kansas.

Lastly, we want to again thank our community for the tremendous effort being put forth in preventing the spread of COVID-19 throughout our area. We have witnessed how quickly the virus can spread and now, more than ever, it is crucial we continue to do our part in protecting ourselves and our vulnerable population. We urge everyone to take additional precautions when making plans for future activities. Finally, if you are concerned you may have been potentially exposed or are showing symptoms of COVID-19, please call your health care provider prior to arriving at the facility.

Websites to access further information:

Sincerely,

Mitchell County Kansas Emergency Management
David Dohe - Director

Public Health & NC Kansas Home Health Agency
Cortney Murrow, Administrator

Center for Disease Control

Beloit Local Info & Resources