Riley County buildings and offices will remain closed to the public for a minimum of two more weeks.
Health Department Director Julie Gibbs brought the suggestion to the Riley County commission. She says this will give them time to plan and put in safeguards for employees and the public.
“We know that we going to reopen Riley County in a phase approach. The next two weeks are very important, we need to be able to see any downward trajectory of percent positives so keeping the doors closed at this time is best,” says Gibbs.
Gibbs says the 14 day guidelines are part of the CDC recommendations, and are only the minimum. The closure could stay in affect for longer if the county does not see the number of positives decrease. She also suggests any employees who are able to work from home to continue to do so.
The county will use this time implement safeguards, such as plastic barriers, which will be based on a department basis. Gibbs says they would also like to require the public to wear masks in county buildings. However, they are looking into the legality of denying entrance to a person who isn’t wearing a mask.
