Over the weekend, the Riley County Health Department released a new local health order that took effect Monday and will stay active for at least 10 days.
The new local order simply continues several of the existing policies established by the previous order, including gathering size limitations and business guidelines.
These measures, local health officer Julie Gibbs writes in the order, are necessary to slow the spread of COVID-19 and continue the progress towards control of the illness.
Local Health Order No. 15 requires:
- Gatherings to be limited to 50 people
- Large meeting spaces to remain closed
- Employee screenings at the start of each shift
- Bars and restaurants to close to the public at midnight
On Monday, the county added 16 new positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the local total to 398. Recovered cases now surpass active cases with 281 recoveries and 114 current cases. The local death count remains at three.
Businesses with questions about best practices should call the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce at 785-776-8829 or email info@manhattan.org. Additional resources for reopening local businesses are available at regionreimagined.org.
Individuals with symptoms are encouraged to call the screening line at 785-323-6400. The screening line is available weekdays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. People with non-emergent questions about COVID-19 in Riley County should send an email to rileycountycovid19@gmail.com.
To be tested in Riley County, individuals must present at least two symptoms of COVID-19. The complete list of known symptoms is available on the health department website.
