On Monday, April 27, the director of the Department of Health and Senior Services signed an order for phase 1 of reopening the state of Missouri, effective at 12:01 a.m. May 4. At this time, Osage County Health Department Administrator Susan Long confirmed there have been a total of five COVID-19 cases, with one currently active.

After reviewing the order and consulting with surrounding health department directors in the state and with DHSS, Long determined that Osage County did not need a separate order for phase 1.

As such, commissioners and Long on Thursday signed a second COVID-19 advisory, which outlines recommendations for various types of businesses in proceeding with either continuing business or reopening businesses. These recommendations are considered best practice to minimize the potential for a resurgence of COVID-19 in county citizens or visitors and to lessen the possibility of business closure due to contamination with the virus. This advisory is sectioned by business type and may not be complete.

“Numerous businesses were consulted to determine best practice for practicality and to provide reassurance of safe re-openings or continuation of businesses,” said Long. “I’m sure that many people are excited with this phase and yet worried at the same time. I know that I am feeling both. I am concerned that some people will attempt to go back to the old normal and I must caution everyone that this kind of behavior can push us back into strict stay at home orders again as well as contributing to another surge of the disease.”

With Mother’s Day this weekend, the tendency may be to get out and flood restaurants with large groups. However, food establishments do have limitations set by the state by which they must abide.

“There will continue to be capacity limitations for retail businesses also as set forth by the state order,” said Long, noting the new advisory includes guidelines for every kind of business.

It emphasizes the need to make workers and customers comfortable. They must be comfortable with the level of safety insured in any business. It applies should employees choose to return to work and customers choose to return to trade.

Long talked extensively with stakeholders while composing it. “Numerous businesses were consulted to determine best practice for practicality and to provide reassurance of safe re-openings or continuation of businesses,” she noted.

Regardless of the activity which draws people from their homes, Long emphasized that everyone will have to continue with social distancing.

“Please plan your errands and shopping to lessen the number of trips and exposures that you might have,” she said. “Continue with the social distancing of six feet, and I strongly recommend that you wear a mask when you are out in public, meaning outside of your own yard. Stay home if you are sick and stay away from anyone who is sick. Remind your children that reopening at this phase doesn’t mean that they can get together with large groups of friends. Know where your children are. If they get quarantined, you and your whole household get quarantined with what is sure to be a very unhappy teenager. Continue with hand hygiene and respiratory hygiene and extra disinfecting of surfaces in your home.”

Warmer weather usually brings stomach and intestinal bugs out as well as the tick- and mosquito-borne illnesses. Continue to use repellent when outside even in your own yard.

“Also, we’ve seen a huge increase in the number of animal bites in the last month,” Long said. “Make sure your pet has current vaccines including the rabies shot, even for inside pets. They sometimes get outside and could be exposed to disease.”

The health department is planning to conduct drive-through immunizations at each school by the end of May.

“Think about getting those out of the way to protect your child,” said Long. “Are your shots up- to-date? We can do those for you also at the same time.“

This will also be the first weekend that religious services can be held in churches. Again, there are restrictions set by the state order.

If you have any questions after you read the state order and frequently asked questions or the Advisory, please visit the health department Facebook page or email osagecountyhealthdepartment@gmail.com. You may also call 573-897-3103.