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Atchison Co Health Officer: Churches limited to ten or less

By Brian Hagen

04/09/2020

(KAIR)--Following the vote by Republican lawmakers Wednesday, revoking Kansas Governor Kelly’s directive to limit church gatherings, the Atchison County Health Officer is sending the reminder that local churches are to abide by the ten-person or less requirement.

Health Officer Lori Forge on Thursday issued a release saying that the emergency order she issued March 24 remains in place prohibiting public gatherings of ten or more

people in Atchison County, noting that there is an exception for activities that are defined as essential under the order. Church gatherings are not among those exceptions.

Saying that “now is not the time to lower our guard,” Forge, in the release, says she is aware that many spiritual people reside in Atchison County, and that she understands “the significance and importance” of the Easter season, but notes that “ultimately the safety of [Atchison County] is the number one priority.”

Noting that “in the state of Kansas there have been multiple clusters of COVID-19 tied

back to exposure during church functions,” Forge closes the release by encouraging residents to do their part in preventing the spread of the virus, adding that “it is up to us, we are the key.”

From the Associated Press Thursday:

MISSION, Kan. (AP) — A coronavirus faceoff over church services in Kansas just days before Easter weekend is pitting the state’s Republican Legislature against its Democratic governor, and they both generally agree people should stay home to worship. At issue is whether the state has the constitutional authority to order it. A panel of legislative leaders on Wednesday overturned Gov. Laura Kelly’s executive order banning religious and funeral services with more than 10 people amid COVID-19 outbreak. Kelly said Wednesday that the backlash was about politics, calling the vote “shockingly irresponsible.” Kelly said three religious gatherings had led to COVID-19 outbreaks.

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