Last week, the Saline County Health Department released a grid that includes five different levels of alerts for five different regions of the county. Until Friday, August 14, each of the five regions was rated at a Level 2- Low Risk.
According to health department officials, Region 5- which is Marshall and its immediate surrounding area- has been raised to Level 3- Medium Risk- due to a sizable increase in positive COVID-19 cases. The county’s case count rose by 40 during the week from 431 to 471.
Level 3 has four components, including recommendations.
Component 1- Description of Level:
– Community spread and active cases have increased significantly in the last week; social-distancing rules are highly recommended; and deaths have occurred, but they are not limited to pandemic illnesses.
Component 2- Gatherings:
– It is recommended that gathering indoors be limited; the allowable number of individuals may be set and determined by the Saline County Health Department; and social-distancing rules are highly recommended.
Component 3- Restaurants:
– It is recommended dining-in be limited to a number based on square footage or per occupancy rules, whichever is greater; social-distancing rules are highly recommended; curbside or delivery is encouraged; and all common-touched surfaces should be disinfected frequently.
Component 4- Business (Office/Retail):
– Consider alternative ways to maintain business hours but limit public contact; possible drive-thru alternatives could be considered; additional screening is suggested for employees and/or patrons; all common-touched surfaces should be disinfected frequently; and social-distancing rules are highly recommended.
Region 1 is the northwestern portion of the county that includes Malta Bend. Region 2 is the northeastern portion of the county that includes Slater. Region 3 is the southeastern portion of the county that includes Napton and Arrow Rock. Region 4 is the southwestern portion of the county which includes Sweet Springs. All of those regions remain at Level 2.