By NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Health Order that went into effect Wednesday limiting gatherings to 100 people or fewer has so many exceptions that it is largely just to make people think again rather than to force much of anything to stop.
"The intent was to really have people understand that we do have a problem in Reno County," said Interim Health Officer Karen Hammersmith. "We need to really step back and start looking at what are we doing that's not helping the cause?"
About two-thirds of the active cases in Reno County are not connected to Hutchinson Correctional Facility.
"We do not want to shut down businesses," Hammersmith said. "We know what happened in March. We know the economy can not handle those types of things. The exceptions are really put in place, so that, as long as you social distance, we can really work with you."
It's not a new message, but it's still a needed message.
"You have COVID fatigue," Hammersmith said. "It's like, you've been saying this since March, that we have a problem, you've been saying to do all of these things. They're tired of wearing their masks, they're tired of hearing about wearing a mask, they're tired of people telling them to stay at home. Washing their hands, hopefully no one's ever going to be tired of that, and the social distancing. All of those things have to continue, but now we're to the point where this is really getting to be a problem."
The order will remain in effect until rescinded.