Here’s how Cass County is coping with the new coronavirus

Cass County is under a public health emergency order from the Cass County Health Department until at least April 1 due to CDC recommended precautions in relation to the COVID-19 virus.

The order closes all restaurants and restricts gatherings to fewer than 10 people. Cities within the county have also been worked hard to keep up with the changing situation: putting additional limitations into place, changing court dockets, and canceling meetings and events to protect residents.

Cass County Health Department Director Andrew Warlen issued the emergency order on March 17 to close all restaurants, dining facilities, bars, taverns, clubs and movie theaters in the county. These restrictions are similar to those already in place in neighboring Jackson County, which also prohibits groups of 10 or more from gathering unless it’s related to the normal business operations of a facility.

“We are working to make good decisions for Cass County with partners in the state and the region. We are trying to learn from others, and hopefully that will give us a huge advantage in handling this,” Warlen said.

The order encourages as many businesses as possible to continue with normal operations while paying close attention to CDC recommended practices. Restaurants may continue to provide carry out, curbside, drive-thru and delivery service.

“What we don’t want is all the patrons inside the restaurant. If you think about going to a restaurant: you walk in the door, you touch the tables, you touch the menu, you are often putting food in your mouth, and that’s a great way to spread the virus,” Warlen said.

Warlen explains the fast rate of transmission for the COVID-19 virus is the problem. Public health restrictions are aimed at reducing the rate of people getting sick. The yearly influenza virus similarly makes people sick and does also cause death, but influenza sicknesses generally occur over several months, which can be handled by the local health-care system. The rate of infection with the COVID-19 virus has been very rapid in comparison.

“If we can’t slow it down, everyone is going to become sick at once and it will overwhelm the healthcare system. That’s what we can’t have, and that’s exactly what happened in Italy. Too many people got sick at once,” Warlen said.

The first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Cass County came from Drexel.

The Cass County Health Department released limited information about the patient in Drexel, beyond that the patient was compliant with home quarantine and following CDC regulations. The Health Department is working to identify and contact people who may have been in danger of infection because of interaction with the individual.

Throughout the county, cities have also pledged to follow Cass County regulations, while making their own adjustments to court dockets, city business, sports and recreation programming, and events.

The City of Harrisonville closed all city facilities indefinitely and is asking residents to refrain from public gatherings no matter how many people are in attendance. City residents are encouraged to pay utility bills online. The 17th Circuit Municipal court dockets are canceled until April 3. Cases on the docket will get a new court date. Defendants and attorneys will be notified in the mail of the new dates.

Raymore has pledged to stop utility shut offs for 30 days in order to help people who may have a challenge paying bills. However, online bill pay and the drop box are still available for on time payments of bills. Bill payments may also be mailed.

The Raymore Activity Center and Centerview event center are closed until at least March 31. Recreation programming is suspended. Boards and commissions will not have meetings. A Community Little Cleanup scheduled for March 21 as well as the Friday Food Fest scheduled for March 27 were both canceled.

Raymore Communications Manager Melissa Harmer says it is important for cities to pay attention to the latest recommendations from the CDC.

“The only way to stop the spread of COVID-19 is to limit your interaction with other people. We want you to stay home,” Harmer said. “Continue frequent hand washing. Even though you might feel completely healthy, you could still be a carrier.”

While City Hall remains open in Raymore, residents are encouraged to do as much business as possible over the phone or online. Upcoming March and April court dockets have been moved to May in Raymore.

In Belton, Mayor Jeff Davis sent a message to citizens encouraging basic precautionary measures for all residents.

“Please stay home if you begin to feel unwell or experience any of the symptoms like tiredness, dry cough and fever,” Davis said in a message to residents.

Belton has canceled city council meetings scheduled for March 24 and April 14.

The City of Peculiar has suspended all recreation activities and classes through April 13. The Recreation Soccer League, Youth Flag Football League, Youth Volleyball League, Little Soccer Kickers, Total Body Fitness, and Yoga Mind & Body are all included. Peculiar Parks and Recreation will provide all necessary updates to participants and families as they arise.

The Cass County Health Department continues to encourage basic preventative measures including washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands. Stay home if you are sick. Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces frequently.

Warlen additionally suggests residents take care of those who are older or immune compromised from a distance, only.

“Get their groceries for them. Call them. Skype them. E-mail them. Facebook live them, but keep away from them,” Warlen said.

The most recent information on recommendations from the Cass County Health Department concerning COVID-19 can be found at www.casscounty.com/2450/covid-19.

This story was originally published March 17, 2020 at 9:26 PM.