OLATHE, Kan. — The Johnson County Board of County Commissioners declared a State of Emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The emergency declaration prohibits public gatherings of 250 people or more for the next seven days.
There are some exceptions, including judicial and governmental functions, health care facilities, private businesses, religious and faith-based activities, weddings and funerals.
“Our intent is to position Johnson County Government in the best position to help mitigate the community impact of COVID-19,” Johnson County Board of Commissioners Chairman Ed Eilert said.
County offices and departments recommend people use online systems to pay bills, and the county is encouraging people who need to go to the Department of Motor Vehicles to do as much online as possible before heading to the office.
The Johnson County Sheriff's Office is suspending all visitation from the general public at its detention facilities in Olathe and Gardner.
Different departments within the county are also deciding if their employees should be in the public.
The order will have some impact on services to those in the public.
Starting Monday, those who volunteer with Meals on Wheels will need to be screened for the illness.
The Human Service's Catch-a-Ride program is suspending all rides from volunteer drivers. The only exception will be currently scheduled rides to take clients to dialysis or chemotherapy.
The Board of Commissioners will consider whether the declaration needs to be extended at its meeting on March 19.
