City implements warning situation protocols

Following the announcement of a confirmed case of COVID-19 in Riley County on Friday, the city of Concordia implemented its warning situation protocols for a public health emergency as outlined in the addendum to the city's disaster and Emergency Operations Plan that was approved by the city commission during a meeting on Thursday.
The public health emergency addendum states that when a public health emergency has been declared at the national or state level, and at least one confirmed case of illness or other qualifying event has occurred in Cloud County, or counties within a 50-mile radius.
There have been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Cloud County at this time. The Mitchell County Health Department received notification of a positive case in Mitchell County on Saturday.
The case is a male over 70 years of age with a recent travel history within the United States. The individual is maintaining in-home isolation and is stable.
With the implementation of the public health emergency addendum, the following protocols were put into effect:
• Effective 5 p.m., Friday, March 20, 2020, only essential personnel are to report for two weeks, or through April 5, 2020. While this applies to only city of Concordia employees, we believe it is a prudent and responsible approach and encourage other entities to consider doing so as well.
• To ensure continuity of government, essential functions will still be performed, including law enforcement response, fire and EMS response, water billing and operational finance.
• The lobbies of City Hall and the Police Department will be closed to the public through April 5, 2020. However, email and phones are being monitored regularly. Messages will be returned as soon as possible.
• Water bill payments and municipal court fines are being accepted online, through the mail or in the alley dropbox.
• Recreation program registrations are being accepted through the mail or in the alley dropbox.
• The playground equipment at all City Parks is now closed. However, the parks are still open allowing people to enjoy the fresh air in the open areas of the parks while practicing social distancing.
“We resolve to be stronger than the coronavirus. But we cannot do it without you. Please, for the health and safety of your family, friends and neighbors, stay home when you are sick. Wash your hands and practice social distancing. Our decision to accept these minor inconveniences now will keep our community robust and health,” city manager Amy Lange said.