HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Economic Recovery Taskforce (RCERT) met earlier this week with health officials to discuss the alarming number of positive COVID-19 cases in the community. The task force discussed measures to stem the rising cases.
The Chamber of Commerce says many of its members are being impacted from high absenteeism because of quarantines and positive COVID-19 cases, including the area's healthcare system.
In an effort to keep businesses and the education system open, the task force overwhelmingly expressed that more community action is needed to slow the spread of COVID-19.
As a result of the RCERT meeting, a petition was organized by local community members to encourage Reno County commissioners to take further action in the interest of the community's well-being.
The intent of these measures is to encourage individual and collective action to slow the spread so that the economy can remain open safely.
The petition asks for mandatory mask wearing and to place further restrictions on gathering sizes. The Chamber also asks that residents continue working from home, holding meetings online whenever possible, and supporting local businesses while taking steps to protect others. And, as always during the pandemic, do all you can to keep yourself healthy and practice good hygiene.