At a weekend meeting of the Platte County Health Department’s Board of Trustees, the board updated its recommendations for masking, bringing the county into line with new COVID-19 Kansas City and Clay County regulations.
Late last week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated mask guidance to state vaccinated individuals no longer need to wear masks in public spaces, unless otherwise required. In response, Kansas City mayor Quinton Lucas rescinded its emergency order on Friday, May 14. Kansas City had recently amended its order to eliminate masks outdoors and ease some restrictions for vaccinated people. Lucas said the new CDC guidance created confusion with the city guidelines.
“Throughout the pandemic we have endeavored to ensure clarity and effective public health guidance for Kansas Citians and, importantly, our businesses,” Lucas said Friday. “Staff at many establishments have been subject to harassment based on upholding our orders and we will not force them to do so further where our regulators cannot reasonably tell between those vaccinated or not at an establishment, and where our guidance may conflict with the CDC.”
Over the weekend, Northland county health departments also amended their orders.
In Platte County, the previous COVID-19 orders were rescinded Saturday, effective immediately.
Under the new recommendations, all limits on business operations or gatherings were rescinded. Masks or face coverings may be required by businesses, which may also refuse service to any person who refuses to wear a mask. However, a business may not require an individual to produce written verification of a medical condition.
Local schools are encouraged to continue to comply with the Missouri Department of Health and Social Services re-opening plan. Park Hill administration quickly announced its health precautions would remain in place through the end of the school year.
“As we navigate this new information, we appreciate the support of our students, staff and community,” said superintendent Dr. Jeanette Cowherd. “Together, we have faced the challenges of this school year, and we will finish strong.”
The full county health order may be found on the website at plattecountyhealthdept.com.
PFIZER VACCINE AVAILABLE FOR TEENS
Also last week, the Pfizer vaccine was approved for use for children 12 years and older.
The Platte County Health Department is now accepting anyone ages 12 and up at Pfizer vaccination clinics held in Riverside, 4400 NW 41st Street.
Children age 12-17 receiving a COVID-19 vaccination must be accompanied by an adult. A parent/guardian is preferable, however, the parent/guardian may designate a non-parent adult to be present at the time of vaccination if the parent/guardian is unavailable.
Parents will need to fill out a delegation of authority form. The form can be found on the website.