Cass County has seen a record increase in positive COVID-19 cases over the last two months, but the county has not hinted at a mask mandate anytime soon according to Cass County Presiding Commissioner Bob Huston.
“We really do not have any new information regarding a mask mandate here in Cass County.
“We are going to continue to follow the guidelines and protocols set forth by the Cass County Health Department, but we are watching the trends every day to be sure that we do what is best for the residents of the county,” he said.
The Cass County Commission meets each Thursday and Huston said the COVID-19 spike will be a topic of discussion in the coming weeks.
“We will continue to monitor the trends each week to determine if any changes need to be made to current procedures.”
While there is no mandate, the commissioners along with the county health department still recommend a variety of preventive measures: wear a mask at all times in public and other settings outside your home where social distancing is not possible; maintain social distance of at least six feet wherever possible, and limit close contacts with other individuals to less than 15 minutes; wash your hands multiple times a day; stay home when sick or if you have symptoms and self-isolate from other family members; avoid large gatherings and as much as possible, limit your regular interactions to a small groups of less-than-10 family members, friends or coworkers; minimize travel outside of Missouri; if planning travel for gatherings during the holidays, especially those including individuals at high risk, encourage all people to self-isolate or isolate as family units as much as practicable in advance of any such gathering; do not attend any gatherings, family or otherwise, if you have any symptoms.
Additionally, the Commission strongly recommends that businesses do the following: Modify physical workspaces to maximize and maintain social distancing; develop an infectious disease preparedness and response plan, including policies and procedures for workforce contact tracing when an employee tests positive for COVID-19; monitor workforce for indicative symptoms. Symptomatic people should not physically return to work until cleared by a medical provider; develop, implement, and communicate about workplace flexibilities and protections including: encouraging telework; work in phases and/or split shifts, if possible; limit access to common areas where personnel are likely to congregate and interact; and ensure sick leave policies are flexible and consistent with public health guidance.