To see a further breakdown of COVID-19 information on a county-by-county basis, visit the  CDC or state KDPH websites.

Coronaviruses are a type of virus. There are many kinds of coronaviruses, and some cause disease. Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) are examples of diseases caused by coronaviruses that originated in animals and spread to people. A newly identified type or stain has caused the recent outbreak of respiratory illness that is now called Novel Coronavirus or COVID-19 (Corona Virus Disease 2019). Much is still unknown about COVID-19, but COVID-19 seems to spread faster than the SARS virus. COVID-19 can be passed from person to person through droplets from coughs and sneezes. COVID-19 has been detected in people all over the world, and is considered a pandemic.

• The following non-pharmaceutical intervention strategies are recommended for persons who live in our district to prevent the transmission of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). Currently, there is no vaccine available to prevent Coronavirus disease and CDC states that wearing a face mask will not protect the public from COVID-19. “The best way to prevent illness is to avoid exposure.” 

Personal Prevention Measures:

•  Avoid close contact with people who are sick with fever, coughing, sneezing , and difficulty breathing. To avoid close contact, stay at least 6 feet away from others.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. To avoid coughing into your hands, you can cough into your elbow.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using household cleaners and EPA-registered disinfectants that are appropriate for the surface, following label instructions. 
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for “at least 20 seconds”, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. 
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty. 

Community Prevention Measures The following community prevention measures are recommended to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 for County residents: 

• Practice social distancing (6 feet away) and limit your participation in schools, meetings, worship services and other public gatherings.
• Implement environmental surface cleaning measures in homes, businesses, and other locations, including frequently touched surfaces and objects, i.e., tables, doorknobs, toys, desks, and computer keyboards. Use household cleaners and EPA-registered disinfectants that are appropriate for the surface, following label instructions. People at Higher Risk for COVID-19 Complications Adults over 60 and people who have severe chronic medical conditions like heart, lung or kidney disease seem to be at higher risk for more serious COVID-19 illness. 

If you are at increased risk for COVID-19, it is especially important for you to take the following actions to reduce your risk of exposure: 

• Stay at home as much as possible.
• Make sure you have access to several weeks of medications and supplies in case you need to stay home for prolonged periods of time. 
• When you go out in public, keep away from others who are sick, limit close contact (6 feet away) and wash your hands often. 
• Avoid crowds.