Johnson County will stop recommending masks indoors and other Covid-related measures, as the pandemic continues to wind down.
County commissioners voted last week to terminate some of the county’s COVID-19 health recommendations that they had put in place when the pandemic was rapidly spreading. In two resolutions, the commission voted to end the local disaster emergency and the majority of the public health recommendations, to align with the ending of the national emergency declaration on May 11; they could possibly conclude earlier.Â
Out of the seven public health recommendations, two will remain in place - to continue to offer COVID-19 vaccinations and to also continue to follow education and guidance regarding the virus.
County Commissioners Charlotte O'Hara and Michael Ashcraft had their objections. Â In a 6-1 vote on the first measure, Ashcraft objected and wanted the resolution to end immediately. Regarding the public health recommendations, the resolution passed 5-2, with Ashcaft and O'Hara voting no. O'Hara expressed frustration and stated the county was wrong about the pandemic. "We need to apologize to this community," she said.Â
The public health recommendations that will be revoked effective May 11 or earlier include masks or face coverings indoors, businesses and organizations encouraging face coverings or masks, maintaining social distancing of six feet, and encouraging organizations and businesses to apply additional measures or strategies to help reduce the spread of the virus.Â
"Johnson County will continue to recommend eligible individuals be vaccinated against COVID-19. The county will also continue to recommend individuals, businesses, and organizations follow the current and continuing guidance and recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Johnson County Department of Health Environment and the Johnson County Local Health Officer to reduce to spread of COVID-19," per a media release.
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