The Marshall County Commissioners agreed Monday to extend the Public Health Disaster Emergency Declaration for another seven days.
The declaration acknowledges that there is a local public health emergency in the county and allows the “exercise of all necessary emergency authority for protection of lives and property of the people of Marshall County”.
The declaration directs public office holders and employees to put in place emergency laws, regulations and directives. Residents are being asked to comply with necessary emergency measures and to follow any directives set forth by county officials.
The document also allows the Marshall County Commissioners to make, amend and rescind orders, rules and regulations necessary for emergency purposes. It also makes the county eligible for state or federal financial assistance.
The declaration is in effect until Tuesday, December 15.
Marshall County Commission President Kevin Overmyer stressed that the three commissioners make the decisions to enact these resolutions.
“This isn’t something we’re thrilled about, but it’s our responsibility to try to make things as safe as possible. We’re trying to get this on a downward curve instead of our curve continuing to go up and up and our death rate to continue to go up and up.” The commissioners urge residents to wear a mask when out in public and follow the county’s mask mandate, maintain a social distance, and wash hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds at a time.
