At this time there are no plans to issue a ‘Stay at Home (Shelter in Place)’ order for Bates County. We are having meetings to discuss issues at hand, as the need arises, typically one or two meetings a week, but so far this has not been considered as an necessary option. Thank you Dennis Jacobs, Director Bates County Emergency Management Agency

We are asking everyone to pause and think before reacting in this current situation. We understand that this is an unusual circumstance. A threat that we cannot see tends to evoke more emotion than one we can see. Rest assured we still have weapons to fight this threat. For example, good hygiene, limiting public interaction, avoiding all public interaction if you are not feeling well, to name a few. 

Hoarding food and supplies are NOT good ways to fight this threat. Everyone needs nutritious food to keep them healthy. Everyone needs personal hygiene supplies to keep them healthy. Hoarding may actually make the situation worse by causing someone else to do without. Thereby, increasing the chance they may spread the virus. 

Human beings do not think clearly when they panic. If you feel yourself starting to become anxious during this time please seek help from a family member, friend, pastor or professional who is not experiencing anxiety.

This situation will pass much easier for all of us if we work together.

Contact: Jody Welston
Bates County Health Center

As concerns over the new coronavirus (COVID-19) continue to grow across the state and nation, the Bates County Health Center along with Bates County Memorial Hospital, County Commission, county law enforcement, fire departments and first responders as well as other community members have been planning and working to respond to the virus and protect the health and well-being of the citizens in our community.

At this time, all citizens are urged to follow the recommendations set forth from the CDC, Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services and the Governor of the State of Missouri. Recommendations include:
• Mass gatherings and events should be postponed and/or cancelled if possible or should be limited in size to 50 people or less.
• Such gatherings should be permitted only if the organizers adhere to the guidelines for protecting vulnerable populations, hand hygiene, and social distancing.
• Restaurants and dining facilities should continue to provide curbside pick up and drive through services if possible. Closing the dining areas off at this time is not required but as the situation changes so may the recommendations/requirements.
• Schools and daycares should make their decisions according to their own plans and policies, guidance set forth by the CDC and recommendations from DESE.
• Facilities attracting large concentrations of senior citizens should strongly consider restrictions and closures.
• Implement personal social distancing, good hand hygiene and stay home if you feel sick—all of which help to reduce the spread of the virus.
• Testing for COVID-19 will be determined according to specific criteria which primary care providers are following. This testing can not be done at Bates County Health Center.

This situation seems overwhelming, but in truth, every one of us can help slow down the spread of COVID-19. By doing your part, you can make a big difference to your health, and that of others around you.

These are the recommendations as of March 18, 2020. We will continue to monitor this ever-changing situation on a daily basis and will issue updates as needed. Any questions about recommendations should be directed to Bates County Health Center at 660-679-6108

Respectfully,
Jody Welston, RN/Administrator
Bates County Health Center

To the Citizens of Bates County:

Effective today, Wednesday, March 18, 2020 at 12:00pm the Bates County Administration Building will be closed to the public until further notice. This is an effort to help protect the public by reducing the chances of contact with the COVID-19 virus.

County Offices will still be able to meet most needs through alternative methods. The public will need to call the specific County office they have business with for direction on how to conduct business. Options may include by phone, fax, email, drop box, and curb service. Below is a list of phone numbers to reach your county offices.

Commissioners: 660.679.3371

Clerk (Marlene Wainscott): 660.679.3371

Treasurer (Jim Platt): 660.679.3341

Assessor (Roger Pruden): 660.679.3157

Recorder (Danyelle Baker): 660.679.3611

Surveyor (Bill Lethcho): 660.679.4031

Your elected officials care about your health and safety. Please be patient while we work together through this trying time.

Thank You,

Bates County Commissioners