By NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County Interim Health Officer Karen Hammersmith noted a special emphasis that is coming for Reno County residents starting next week.
"We're going to kick off a 10-day challenge to change behavior," Hammersmith said. "That's slated for Wednesday, November 4. The kickoff, the reason we're waiting til November 4 is we don't want to interfere with election day. It will be a challenge to stay home and limit social activities to 10. Utilize your local restaurants, but use carryout, business limit groups to 10, so socialization should be eliminated and then wear a mask."
The Hutchinson Chamber will host an event related to the emphasis.
"We're going to have a Chamber lunchtime lowdown, which will be Wednesday, November 4," Hammersmith said. "We'll have D.J. Gering, who is our analyst, Elliott Koester, our epidemiologist and myself will answer questions related to work and COVID."
There will also be a town hall meeting that week.
"We'll have physicians, health department personnel, business, superintendents, people to answer questions, as well for response at a town hall meeting," Hammersmith said. "We are going to stress the need to limit social and business gatherings to 10."
More details about the emphasis will be coming out as it prepares to launch next week.