Geary County Emergency Operations Center committee members have made their decisions on the County's COVID-19 reopening guidelines and requirements. Emergency Management Director Garry Berges said they essentially adopted a plan similar to one put in place for Riley County, but with a few changes. "Requiring people to still continue the social distancing, washing your hands, using sanitizer when necessary, cleaning high touch surfaces and not shaking hands."
Mass gatherings will be limited to 50 people and all businesses can be open with no hourly restrictions.
Berges noted that there is something for Geary County dealing with special events. Anytime someone has a special event such as a parade or function in a park with more than 100 people at one time and occurs less than 12 times per year they must contact the Health Department at least seven days in advance and fill out a special event notification form. "That let's us know who is going to be doing the event, what it will be, what will happen at the event." Also required will be mitigation information. "How they're going to ensure people keep the distance apart from each other. And this is in case to make sure everybody is being safe as we move forward because the threat of the COVID virus here in Geary County has not gone away. It's still present, it's still possible to have more people infected with it."
Berges said anyone found not to be in compliance with the order can be issued citations or places can be shut down if they are not following the order.
The order will be in effect for 14 days. Berges said if they want to do so, all businesses can open, and playground equipment will now be open for use. Prior to the end of that period the EOC staff will meet to determine if they can continue the order or impose further restrictions.