‘Now is not the time to let our guard down’
Effective July 1, Platte County moved into Phase 2, Step 4 of its reopening plan, in which businesses can open at full capacity while maintaining physical distancing requirements.
The Platte County Health Department Board of Trustees is strongly encouraging the use of face coverings while out in public.
“Even though county-wide restrictions have been relaxed, please know that the COVID19 virus is still very much alive in our area. This mitigation method, combined with physical distancing, constitutes simple, inexpensive methods that are highly effective at preventing the spread of the virus in our Platte County community,” said Mary Jo Vernon, director of the Platte County Health Department.
Vernon states “There are numerous scientific evidence studies available to support that the use of face masks reduces the transmission of this virus. When health and lives are at stake, wearing a mask is truly a simple act of consideration and concern for each other. Please join us in making a difference.”
Cloth face coverings should NOT be worn by children under the age of two or anyone who has trouble breathing, is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
Vernon added: “In the early days of the pandemic, our residents did a great job of complying with orders, staying home, and physically distancing, and the relatively low number of cases reflected that. Now we’re five months into the pandemic, and our numbers continue to rise. Now is not the time to let our guard down.”
The health director added:
“We implore that you do your part to reduce the spread of this virus and to contribute to improving our economy and keeping our businesses open. During this pandemic, it is the responsibility of each one of us to do what we can to combat the virus.”