Reopening plan updates

Photo by Bill Harrison

Understanding the latest reopening plans

As public health officials learn more about how this new coronavirus is affecting people and where and how it’s spreading, rules have changed often. And, it’s likely they will continue to shift in the future as we adapt to the ways the virus is impacting our community. NAVIGATING THE REOPENING PHASES On Tuesday, May 26, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly vetoed Kansas House Bill 2054 that would have weakened her emergency power and authority from local county health officers during the ongoing pandemic. Going forward, the governor’s “Ad Astra: A Plan to Reopen Kansas” is available as guidance to county health officials, who have the authority to impose health, business and mass gathering limits. Johnson County Local Health Officer Dr. Joseph LeMaster and Johnson County Department of Health and Environment Director Dr. Sanmi Areola both strongly recommend that Johnson County residents and businesses continue to adhere to the phases and guidance in the state’s “Ad Astra” plan. As an organization, the City of Lenexa will continue to follow the “Ad Astra” plan for reopening city buildings, facilities, programs and events. The Governor’s Office will still provide analysis of data and recommend when to move through the phases. YOUR BEST RESOURCES View “Ad Astra: A Plan to Reopen Kansas” at covid.ks.gov. You’ll also find frequently asked questions and guidelines for opening businesses, houses of worship, community organizations and other activities safely. At JoCoGov.org/Coronavirus, you can keep up with the county’s latest health recommendations and orders. Johnson County also maintains a COVID-19 dashboard that tracks current outbreak data, as well as a helpful list of frequently asked questions. A quick way to keep up with which phase we’re in and how it impacts Lenexa: Lenexa.com/Coronavirus.

Seek help if you might be sick

Most cases of COVID-19 cause mild symptoms. But in some people — especially older adults and people with underlying medical conditions like heart disease, lung disease or diabetes — COVID-19 can cause severe symptoms and serious complications. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, these symptoms might mean you have COVID-19: • Cough • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing • Fever • Chills • Muscle pain • Sore throat • New loss of taste/smell Some less common symptoms have also been reported. These include gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and have some of these symptoms, call your health care provider for further instructions. DO NOT go to the emergency room or call 911 if you think you’ve been exposed or have mild symptoms. You should call 911 if you have warning signs including trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion, inability to wake or stay awake, bluish lips or face, or other severe symptoms.