A new health order is in place for Morris County, and it comes with a reduced limit for mass gatherings.
Health Officer Daniel Frese says mass gatherings will be limited to 10 people or less. Religious gatherings are exempt, but the order says mask use, social distancing, frequent sanitizing and online gatherings are “strongly recommended.”
Morris County last adjusted its mass gathering limit Sept. 19. The limit at that time was 25 people.
The county’s last update on caseload had 147 total cases and 27 active cases as of Nov. 16.
Chase and Morris counties have a joint health department. Chase County has not announced plans to limit mass gatherings at this time. However, the Cottonwood Falls Community Building is now closed to social events and Strong City is closing City Hall until further notice due to coronavirus. Strong City residents are told to call the office to pay bills over the phone, mail payments or leave payments at Cottonwood Valley Bank. Chase County had 154 cases as of Nov. 16, with 14 active cases and three deaths.
Elsewhere across the KVOE listening area:
*Coffey County announced 25 new cases in its weekly report Friday. It now has 255 total cases with 24 active cases and nine deaths.
*Greenwood County added four cases between Wednesday and Friday. It now has 177 total cases since late March, of which 15 are active. The city of Hamilton has closed its office to the public, so residents need to pay city bills online, by phone or by mail.
*Osage County says masks will be required for anybody attending the County Commission meeting on Monday. The room also will not open to the public until 8:20 am, shortly before the meeting starts at 8:30 am. Meanwhile, Lyndon Municipal Court has had all cases continued to Dec. 16. Osage County now has 374 total cases, with 126 active cases and six deaths.
*Wabaunsee County has 278 total cases with 88 active cases and one death as of Friday. The total caseload hasn’t been referenced since it was at 100 on Nov. 2, but the active caseload is down from 107 on Wednesday. The county has reduced its mass gathering limit to 45 and mask use is required for people conducting business in the County Courthouse.
