A Public Health Emergency "Stay At Home" Order has been enacted. The text of the order follows:
Public Health Emergency Order
County of Harrison Order 20-01
WHEREAS, the existence and spread of the COVID -19 virus has resulted in the declaration of a worldwide pandemic, and it is necessary and appropriate to take quick action to reduce the possibility of exposure to COVID-19 and to reduce the spread of COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, as of March 30, 2020 the COVID19 virus now has multiple confirmed positive cases in Region H including a positive case in Harrison County, and throughout the entire State of Missouri involving multiple fatalities, as well as now demonstrating community spread with the number of cases escalating daily; and
WHEREAS, the COVID-19 virus spreads between people who are in close contact with one another through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes; and
WHEREAS, a gathering of individuals without necessary mitigation for the spread of infection may pose a risk of the spread of infectious disease; and
WHEREAS, the County wishes to employ all means available under the law to protect public life, health, safety and property to limit the development, contraction and spread of COVID-19 creating this emergency; and
WHEREAS, I, Courtney Cross, Administrator of Public Health for the Harrison County Health Department and Health Officer for the County of Harrison do find the aforementioned conditions constitute a threat to the health, safety and welfare of the residents of Harrison County, and creates a public health emergency situation within the meaning of Chapter 192 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri and Title 19 Division 20, Chapter 20 of the MO Code of State Regulations;
NOW, THEREFORE, under the power vested in me under appropriate local, state and federal regulations and other enabling provisions, I, Courtney Cross, Administrator of Public Health for the Harrison County Health Department and Health Officer for the County of Harrison do hereby order the following:
All Persons shall:
1. To the maximum extent possible, shelter in place by remaining in their respective residences or regular places of abode, avoiding contact with people with whom they do not reside, and avoiding public places except as necessary to obtain food, supplies, and medical treatment.
2. Remain home if sick or ill, except to seek medical treatment from a licensed medical provider.
3. Avoid all social gatherings in groups of 10 or more people.
4. Implement personal protective measures, such as staying home when sick, frequent handwashing, and routine cleaning of surfaces.
5. Avoid individual travel except for attending work; obtaining food supplies, medicine, medical treatment; and participating in outdoor recreational activities through social distancing.
6. Engage in social distancing by taking responsible efforts to be separated from other individuals by at least six (6) feet.
All Businesses shall:
1. Close any community seating areas operated by a food establishment. Food establishments may continue to provide services via carry-out, drive-thru, curbside, or delivery to customers.
2. Permit all employees who are capable to work from their residence or regular place of abode.
3. Provide for the implementation of appropriate personal protective and social distancing measures as defined by current guidance issued by the CDC for businesses and workplaces. (Such guidance can be found here: tinyurl.com/rbaoc55)
4. Require ill employees to exclude themselves from work while sick or ill until such time as employees symptoms have resolved, or they have been cleared to return to work from a licensed healthcare provider.
Violation of this order constitutes an imminent threat to public health and shall be in violation of RSMo 192.300(4).
This order shall begin upon adoption and publication, and shall remain in place until such time as the emergency has been abated. Review of necessity for this order shall take place no less than weekly. Extension or rescission of this order shall be made in conference with the County Commission of Harrison County as well as State and National Public Health Authorities.
It is so ordered this 30th day of March, 2020
Courtney Cross
Administrator
Harrison County Health Department