Health officials in Morris and Chase counties stand by initial statements two coronavirus patients had symptoms of the illness when they visited several area businesses last week.
Without elaborating, Morris County Public Information Officer Bill Kassebaum repeated a statement included in Wednesday night’s news release announcing the two cases. The two individuals, who are not being identified at this time, visited several locations in Morris and Chase counties earlier this month:
*Watts Coffee, Council Grove, the mornings of March 12-13
*Ray’s Apple Market, Council Grove, mid-morning March 12
*Life Center, Council Grove, morning March 13
*Twin Lakes Liquor, Council Grove, mid-afternoon March 13
*Ad Astra Restaurant, Strong City, early evening March 13
Both Kassebaum and Chase County Emergency Manager Scott Wiltse both say the two patients were symptomatic when they visited the businesses.
As part of an emergency declaration this week, Morris County restaurants are limited to carryout or drive-thru service only until further notice. The County Courthouse is closed with essential personnel only reporting until the situation is revisited Tuesday.
Most area courthouses are closed as of Thursday afternoon. Residents using the Chase County Courthouse are told to call specific departments if they need to pay bills, while those in Greenwood County are told to mail payments. Courthouses in Coffey, Osage and Wabaunsee counties are currently open to the public.
Including the Morris County cases, there are now 34 confirmed COVID-19 cases across Kansas, including one fatality. Nearly half the confirmed cases are in Johnson County.
