Editor’s note: The following order was issued by the Osage County Public Health Officer, Saturday, March 21, 2020. It is published here as a public service.

Order of the Board of Health/Public Health Officer
Prohibiting or Restricting Public Gatherings
(Issued under the Authority Granted by K.S.A. 65-119(a))

March 21, 2020

The Board of Health/Public Health Officer hereby issues the following prohibitions or restrictions regarding certain businesses and/or gatherings in Osage County:

1. This order shall apply to all restaurants, dining facilities, bars, taverns, community centers, fitness centers, and clubs.
   These locations are hereby ordered closed to the public effective at 12:01 a.m. on Monday, March 23, 2020, until further notice.
   Any such establishment may continue to provide carryout, drive-through and delivery food and beverage services.
   Any establishment that provides any kind of public self-service food or beverage such as buffets, salad bars, coffee shops, and convenience stores may remain open, but must close the self-serve portions of their business. This order does not allow for there to be any dine-in seating whatsoever at the establishments listed in the order.
2. All large public gatherings of people in the County are prohibited. Large public gatherings are those with more than ten (10) people in attendance or anticipated to attend, both indoor and outdoor, except for governmental functions and deemed essential industries as defined by U.S. Homeland Security.
3. Religious services, funerals, and memorial services (as defined by the Internal Revenue Service) are authorized to have more than ten (10) people in attendance, but must ensure appropriate social distancing of at least 6 feet between co-habiting members.
4. In all areas, establishments must follow the guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), federal, state, and local public health officials for social distancing and infection control measures.
5. The order may be supplanted or modified as required for the effective and efficient management and control of the Coronavirus epidemic in Osage County by further order or direction of the Osage County Board of Public Health or by the Osage County Local Health Officer.

This order will remain in effect until further notice from the Board of Health or Health Officer.  Any questions regarding this notice may be directed to the Osage County Public Health Department at (785) 828-3117, or to the Osage County COVID-19 Hotline at (785) 219-1680.

Jackie Patterson, RN, BSN
Osage County Public Health Officer

March 21, 2020