The Atchison County Health Department strongly advises all residents to follow key strategies to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Julie Livengood, Administrator, says, “We must be willing to adjust and change plans from our normal holiday traditions for the 2020 season. Currently, Atchison County is in ‘Category 1: Extreme Risk’ due to our seven-day COVID-19 positivity rate. Each one of us has a responsibility to take action to help reduce transmission in our communities.”

The following guidelines are recommended:

1) Avoid large gatherings. Limit social groups to less than 10.

2) Social distance – maintain at least six feet of separation.

3) Try to limit personal interactions to less than 15 minutes.

4) Wear a mask properly (covering mouth and nose) at all times in public and other settings outside of your home.

5) Wash your hands frequently. Sanitize common surfaces.

6) If you have any symptoms, do not attend any gatherings (family or otherwise).

7) Minimize travel outside of Missouri if possible. If you must travel, check travel advisories.

8) Encourage all people to self-isolate or isolate as family units as much as practical in advance of any gathering.

Julie concluded, “The most effective weapon against COVID-19 remains prevention. We must ALL do our part. Remember: HANDS, FACE, SPACE. Wash your hands, cover your face, and keep at least six feet of space.”