The Johnson County Department of Health and Environment is releasing public health recommendations for K-12 schools to help families and school districts make decisions about the reopening of schools in Johnson County.

These recommendations are a result of a collaboration between JCDHE and school districts in the county. The recommendations document outlines recommendations for learning modes, based on COVID-19 transmission in the community.

“It is important that we all protect the health and well-being of our students, teachers, school staff and families by carefully considering all risks and benefits of reopening schools,” states Dr. Sanmi Areola, JCDHE director. “These guidelines are a starting point for school administrators and parents/caregivers to make decisions on what is best for their school community and individual family.”

County and district leaders have agreed to meet again the week of Aug. 17, to review data and make final decisions about the learning mode to begin the 2020-2021 school year. The next several weeks are critical for all community members to work together to decrease the spread of the virus.

The guidelines include what types of learning modes and extra-curricular activities are recommended, based on the current knowledge and data about COVID-19. As new evidence emerges, requirements may change. JCDHE and school districts will work closely together to monitor community and school conditions and make amendments if necessary.

In the last 14 days, newly reported cases in Johnson County have leveled off, as has the percent of all tests that are positive, which is currently 8.8% (yellow category). However, community transmission indicated by the average daily number of cases is still high. We need to continue to wear masks, avoid crowded events, stay home when sick and wash hands frequently.

The two measures that make up the gating criteria are updated daily. Read the recommendations.

On Tuesday, July 28, Johnson County Department of Health and Environment Director Dr. Sanmi Areola provided a written update to the Board of County Commissioners about COVID-19.

Highlights from the briefing include:

The Johnson County Department of Health and Environment is conducting appointment-based COVID-19 testing for those with and without symptoms.

Testing is available to those who live or work in Johnson County, if testing is not available from your primary health care provider. Participants must be 12 or older. Children under 16 (12-15), must have a parent present in the vehicle to give verbal consent for testing.

Get list of days and times of testing.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has amended its travel quarantine list. Florida, as well as those countries with a CDC Level 3 Travel Health Notice with restrictions remain, but Arizona, Bahrain and French Guiana are removed. Those traveling internationally are subject to CDC re-entry guidance and protocols. 

This list is effective for all persons returning to or entering Kansas on the effective dates. The state will review/update this list every two weeks. A comprehensive list of those individuals needing to quarantine for 14 days includes visitors and Kansans who have: 

Traveled to: 

Learn more about travel guidance and protocols.

Keeping the public informed of the county's response to COVID-19 is a high priority. In addition to this e-newsletter, be sure to also follow our local media outlets for additional information.

See below for a featured story of the day:

Kansas governor warns state may need to rollback reopening plans

The University of Kansas Health System is also providing daily updates on how COVID-19 is impacting our health care system and community. Chief Medical Officer Steve Stites, MD, and Dana Hawkinson, MD, Medical Director of Infection Prevention and Control, with The University of Kansas Health System and special guests talk about the fight against COVID-19.

Tune in at 8 a.m., Monday through Friday, on Facebook.

Highlights from the July 28 update include: 

ENFORCEMENT OF MASK MANDATE

If you are seeking enforcement of the Governor's mask order, contact the consumer fraud hotline at the District Attorney's Office, 913-715-3003. DO NOT CALL 911.

MASK USE

Learn about cloth mask recommendations. Get information from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment on the use of masks.

WHAT IF I GET SICK

Get guidance from the CDC.

WHO TO CALL WITH QUESTIONS ABOUT COVID-19

Call the Johnson County COVID-19 hotline at 913-715-CV19 (2819), 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, Spanish language available through same number. You can also call the Kansas Department of Health and Environment at 877-427-7317, after business hours. You can email questions to [email protected] or use a chat bot at kdheks.gov/coronavirus.

TRAVEL-RELATED QUARANTINE

Visit the Kansas Department of Health and Environment Travel & Exposure Related Isolation/Quarantine webpage.

VISIT OUR FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

We have a webpage for the common questions surrounding COVID-19.