Ellsworth County moves into Phase 2 with the State of Kansas

ELLSWORTH COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT

1603 Aylward Avenue, Ellsworth KS 67439

1. 1. 4488. Fax 785-472-4489

E-mail ellscohd@eaglecom.net

Thursday, May 21^st, 2020

Dear Ellsworth County Residents,

Governor Kelly’s Phase 2 for the state of Kansas will go into effect tomorrow, Friday, May 22^nd. Ellsworth County will be following the Phase 2 guidelines. The following restrictions for Ellsworth County will be lifted as of tomorrow, Friday, May 22^nd:

1. Playgrounds, ballfields and splash pads may open.
2. Travel restrictions will now only be the mandates set forth by the state of Kansas to include the states of New York, New Jersey, Illinois, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Maryland. There will be NO restriction to counties within Kansas.
3. Self-serve food and drink may reopen.

These decisions were not made easily. We want people to remember that just because restrictions are being lifted and there is some loosening of guidelines, this DOES NOT mean that the virus is no longer a threat. We need to continue to be responsible individuals and take into consideration the essentialness of the activities that we are participating in. Our actions could have devastating affects to the vulnerable individuals of our community.

Please be aware of the key items listed below that are important to continue to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

• Mass gatherings of no more than 15 individuals are allowed
• Masks are strongly encouraged in public settings
• Maintain 6 foot social distancing
• If you are sick, stay home
• Minimize or avoid nonessential travel

If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, please contact your primary care provider. We continue to ask that you call PRIOR to arriving at the clinic/hospital/ER if you are feeling ill. 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. Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever (100.4 or higher), chills, rigors, myalgia, malaise, headache, sore throat, and cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, new olfactory /taste disorders and diarrhea.

We want to thank all of the businesses and individuals for their cooperation and participation in keeping yourselves, your families and your community safe and healthy. There has been a constant change happening and we appreciate the patience as we work through all of the unknowns. We will continue to make decisions based on the safety and health of our community while recognizing the economic impact.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Ellsworth County Health Department at 785-472-4488.

Thanks,

Kerianne Ehrlich, RN/Administrator

Ellsworth County Health Department