Show All Answers

1. Do I have to stay home?

Yes, as much as possible. Only leave your house for necessary activity like food and healthcare. You can (and should) still go outside to walk, jog, bike, etc. Please avoid playgrounds and crowds or exercise that does not involve close contact with people outside your household.

Individuals who are not employed at an organization or business exempted by Order No. 3 may only leave their residence to perform a necessary activity or essential function under Governor Laura Kelly’s Executive Order No. 20-15.

Essential workers will NOT be required to carry or present any documentation to go to work.

Please note, grocery stores, pharmacies, and any other government identified essential business will remain open now and in the future.

The intent is to reduce risk of unnecessary exposure and interaction. There’s a balance between business that needs to be conducted to fulfill essential needs and  reducing the risk for spread. The order is not intended to downplay the interactions of businesses or stop construction projects. We encourage people to stay at home and isolate as much as possible. The goal is to flatten the curve and prevent overwhelming of healthcare resources.

2. Do I need to buy supplies?

Making sure you’re well stocked on the essentials is smart with uncertainty about how COVID-19 social distancing recommendations could affect your daily routine and your family’s needs. Regardless of how COVID-19 spreads, however, Riley County will NOT order the closure of grocery stores or pharmacies.

So, buy what you need to provide for your family for up to two weeks for general preparedness. But there’s no need to stock up for any more than that. A little consideration for our neighbors is going to go a long way as we get through this together.

3. What is necessary activity?

Healthcare clinics such as dentists offices, chiropractic clinics, etc. may remain open during the ban as long as they are following the patient screening guidelines put in place by the CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/infection-control/control-recommendations.html

Grocery stores, pharmacies, banks, and other important resources will also remain open. Riley County will NOT close these businesses.

What you need to do to maintain your health and safety is all considered necessary activity. The intent of the order is not to restrict people to their homes no matter what. 

4. Can I go outside, take a walk or a run, walk my dog, spend time in a park or trail?

Yes. Engaging in an outdoor activity, provided individuals maintain a distance of six feet from one another and abide by the 10-person limitation on gathering size.

https://governor.kansas.gov/executive-order-no-20-16/ 

5. Can I donate cloth masks for medical professionals to use?

No. Health care professionals will NOT be able to use any masks made by the public. Please do not drop off any cloth masks. Thank you for thinking of us, though.

6. Is ATA Bus still in operation?

Yes, ATA bus is still operating, with special cleaning protocols in place, from guidance from our department and CDC.  Here is some information with rider information from ATA Bus.

7. When should I call 911?

The Riley County Police Department Dispatchers are here to serve you around the clock. They are the critical bridge between the public and medical assistance that could save a life.

Help us ensure they can get help to the people who need it most by only calling 911 for emergencies.

8. Where can I find FAQs for the Riley County Police Department?

The Riley County Police Department has created a page of frequently asked questions on their Facebook page and it can be accessed here:  https://www.facebook.com/notes/rileycountypd/information-updated-on-03272020-at-1200-pm/3041060685914588/ .

9. Will grocery stores and pharmacies remain open?

Yes, grocery stores and pharmacies will remain open now and in the future.

They need to follow guidelines and not allow crowding. COVID-19 Response: Best Practices for Riley CountyBusinesses & Employers Open to the Public.

10. What rules are in place for businesses that are deemed essential and do stay open during the stay-at-home order? How will they maintain a safe environment?

Essential businesses have new policies to follow under the stay-at-home order. This includes designating six-foot spacing for employees and customers in line to maintain appropriate distance, having anti-microbial soap and water or hand sanitizer and hand-sanitizing products available for both employees and customers, implementing separate operating hours for elderly and vulnerable customers, posting online whether a facility is open and how best to reach the facility and continue service by phone or remotely.

11. What type of outdoor activity is allowed during a stay-at-home order? Is hunting and fishing allowed?

Outdoor activity is allowed, but you should follow the same social-distancing guidelines, not gathering in any group of more than 10 people and maintaining at least six feet of space between you and another person.

12. Can I go visit a friend who is not relying on me for essential needs?

No. Avoid discretionary travel such as shopping trips and social visits.

13. How do I contact the Q&A hotline?

A question and answer hotline for general questions about the coronavirus response in Riley County is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Q&A hotline number is 785-587-4526.

14. When will the Local Health Officer provide updates?

Local Health Officer Julie Gibbs will resume daily Facebook Live updates at 4:15 p.m. on Monday, March 30th. There will be no Facebook Live update on Sundays.

Public updates will be provided daily at 4:15 p.m. on the RCHD Facebook Page at https://facebook.com/rileycountyhealthdepartment.

15. What does a stay at home order mean?

Please see the information flyer below.

https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.lkm.org/resource/resmgr/education/covid-19/stay-at-home-poster-english.pdf 

16. ¿Qué significa esto para mi comunidad?

¿Por qué es esto necesario? Es fundamental retrasar la propagación del coronavirus (COVID-19). Si no actuamos ahora, el virus puede propagarse muy fácilmente. Es por eso que debemos seguir la Orden Ejecutiva 20-16 del Gobernador y alentar a todos a quedarse en casa tanto como sea posible. Las empresas locales son una parte fundamental para frenar la propagación para protegernos a nosotros mismos, a nuestras familias y a nuestra comunidad.

https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.lkm.org/resource/resmgr/education/covid-19/stay-at-home-poster-spanish.pdf