West Plains – The City of West Plains’ top priority is to protect the health and safety of our residents and employees while continuing to provide essential public services to our citizens. We are in frequent communication with our partners at the Howell County Health Department and health officials at local, state, and federal agencies who are monitoring the situation and providing guidance on how to respond to COVID-19.
The City Council of West Plains met today to discuss what actions may be appropriate to help mitigate the impact of COVID-19 virus currently spreading across the U.S. The city has followed recommendations already put forth by the Center for Disease Control and Governor Parson. As a result, the West Plains City Council hereby declares a state of emergency existing in the City of West Plains, Missouri beginning at 12:01 a.m. March 28, 2020, and lasting until 11:59 p.m. on April 15, 2020, unless extended as needed. The ordinance places a prohibition on public gatherings of 10 or more people and makes it unlawful for anyone to organize or attend gatherings exceeding that size. This does not apply to educational institutions, daycare facilities, business operations, grocery stores, retail stores, municipal facilities, or other activities which cannot constitutionally be closed in these circumstances, that can demonstrate that a sufficient mitigation plan for infectious disease is in place. With questions and to better understand mitigation plan guidelines, please contact the Howell County Health Department for details.
The City Council of West Plains encourages citizens to:
- Consciously practice social distancing (6 foot rule) by opting to communicate more via telephone and email and to limit the amount of time spent in gathering situations where more than 1 people are present.
- Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces daily in household common areas (e.g. tables, hard-backed chairs, doorknobs, light switches, remotes, handles, desks, toilets, sinks).
- Practice good personal hand hygiene by frequently washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or by using hand sanitizer containing 60% alcohol as a second option when soap and water are not available.
- Monitor your own personal health for symptoms including fever, cough and shortness of breath. If you are experiencing these symptoms, please stay home 14 days except to receive medical treatment.
The City of West Plains would also like to encourage residents to be especially mindful of those who are most vulnerable to the virus. Those include older adults and people who have serious chronic medical conditions. For more information on other closures for the City of west plains, please follow our Facebook page and visit our website, www.westplains.net/coronavirus-update/.
For additional information on COVID-19, please visit the following:
Centers for Disease Control: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.
MO DHSS: https://health.mo.gov/living/healthcondiseases/communicable/novel-coronavirus/.
Howell County Health Department: www.howellcountyhealth.com
