FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Carol Bookhout, Public Information Officer
carol.bookhout@polkcountyhealth.org
Media Line: (417)326-7250
Polk County remains in Phase2-Step2 of COVID-19 Recovery Plan
POLK COUNTY, MO 6/10/2020 – Polk County will remain in Phase 2-Step 2 of its COVID-19 Response and Recovery Plan due to the increase of cases during the last seven days.
“Data is collected each day regarding the achievement of four elements needed to assure public health and safety, says Michelle Morris, Polk County Health Center Administrator. Those elements assess the number of cases, availability of hospital beds, testing capabilities and contact tracing monitoring. Currently, Polk County has maintained high levels of progress in bed availability and testing capabilities, however, we are cautious about the number of cases we have added in the last seven days and the strain extensive contact tracing has placed on the Health Center.”
Moving to the next step is of the Recovery Plan is a collaborative decision by officials from Polk County, the City of Bolivar and Citizens Memorial Hospital. The transition into future steps and into Phase 3 is determined by the data collected by the Polk County Health Center epidemiology team as they examine daily the impact of the virus on the community as well as the collaboration of community leaders.
“We want to avoid placing a strain on our community healthcare systems. By delaying our movement to Step 3 of Phase 2 in our recovery plan, we will be able to assess the number of positive results from the current contacts identified in the past seven days. When we can ensure little to no impact of our recent rise in cases, we will be ready to move forward,” Morris says.
Step 2 continues the reopening of communities by relaxing the occupancy limitations and begins to resume mass gatherings on a limited basis. All interactions within the community are required to maintain physical distancing strategies. High risk individuals should continue to limit interactions to those that are considered vital
Business/Organizations: Current essential, non-retail, businesses and organizations will continue operations. For all other business and organizations, occupancy restrictions are relaxed more while maintaining 6 foot spacing in all areas possible. All businesses and organizations must continue to apply physical distancing standards in all facilities. When possible, operations should be conducted remotely.
Churches: Churches may hold in-person services as long as the social distancing requirements are followed. However, common practices that may occur with worship services, such as hand shaking and shared communion cups, should be avoided. Places of worship are also encouraged to continue use of alternative means of services through streaming services and other opportunities. Mass gathering limitations do not apply to churches.
Visits to senior living facilities and hospitals should be prohibited. Those who do interact with residents and patients must adhere to strict protocols regarding hygiene.
Schools: All schools are permitted to reopen. Physical distancing and personal protection strategies should be applied to full capability. Protocols should be implemented regarding regular hand hygiene of students, teachers and staff as well as routine cleaning procedures. Mass gathering limitations do not apply to schools.
Minimize travel to essential travel only and adhere to Center for Disease Control Guidelines regarding isolation following travel. If travel is required internationally or to areas where there are outbreaks of the virus, 14-day isolation is recommended.
Citizens Memorial Hospital is offering drive-thru testing for COVID-19 with a CMH doctor’s order. Patients with COVID-19 symptoms should complete a CMH Virtual Visit or call a CMH clinic for screening to obtain the order. More information is available at citizensmemorial.com.
For more information about the Response and Recovery plan visit our website at www.polkcountyhealth.org.