Restaurants are doing quite well since opening to a limited capacity of customers, according to Marshall County Food Sanitarian and Environmentalist Dean Schmidlapp.
He told the Marshall County Commissioners on Monday morning that many are following the rules, but still encourages restaurants and customers to keep up with protocols like social distancing. He believes that everyone needs to work together as he is afraid the positive numbers will increase as capacity space grows.
As a parallel to that conversation, Marshall County EMA Director Clyde Avery commented later in the commissioners’ meeting that he is working on updating procedures in case of a resurgence this fall.
“My biggest concern is, based on what the subject matter experts are saying, we’re going to see a resurgence,” said Avery. “It’ll be hot spots for a period of time and then a resurgence again in the fall and winter.
“We’ve got some pieces in place. We need to put some others in place prior to that happening. I hope to get the after Action Report out with what we’ve been able to accomplish so far so we can sit down and discuss that and see what pieces we need to make sure we have in place prior to the resurgence occurring.”
The commissioners hope there’s more participation with all entities in the county to complete an action plan that is expected to include businesses, restaurants, industry, elected officials, hospitals, schools, and long-term care facilities.
Commissioner Stan Klotz also commented that the county needs to build up its supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) so the county is better prepared. Storage space will need to be located.
Avery commented that the county needs to rely on itself when it comes to PPE because some of the state’s contribution of PPE came with a recall early Monday morning. It was determined not to be certified by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Officials are currently searching for reliable contributions.
The commissioners are looking to purchasing PPE to be sure the county is ready for this fall. The county council approved $50,000 to be used to purchase supplies which is reimbursable by the state.
The commissioners will determine this week of there will be an extension to the Public Health Emergency Disaster Declaration or to let it expire this Friday.
The commissioners thanked Avery for his efforts and the efforts of the Marshall County Health Department during this health pandemic.
