The Kirksville R-III School District resumes in-person learning for some students today as Pk-8th grade students will return to Level II instruction and school activities. The school district will also implement a modified quarantine process beginning today. The Adair County Health Department gave authorization to the District for a modified quarantine program for students and staff that become close contacts to positive virus cases. A copy of this authorization is posted on the District webpage. This has the potential to reduce the amount of quarantine time for close contact students and staff while they are at school. The district sees this as a positive step and, in conjunction with the Health Department County-Wide Mask Order, it will be very beneficial to their in-person education efforts. As for a return to Level II learning for high school students, the district plans for that to begin on Monday, December 7th.
Adair County Adds New COVID-19 Cases Over Holiday Weekend
Adair County added new COVID-19 cases over the holiday weekend. Eight confirmed cases were reported on Thanksgiving Day, six more on Friday, eight new cases on Saturday, and another eight new cases on Sunday. The latest numbers from the Adair County Health Department shows the total number of cases have risen to 1,198. There are 97 active cases and 1,101 people who have left isolation.
Missing Woman Located Safe
A woman who was reported missing by her mother earlier this month has been located. Kirksville Police announced Saturday that 36-year-old Amanda Thompson has been located safe in Laurel, Mississippi. No further details have been released.
Milan Man Arrested on Warrants for Tampering and Stealing
A Milan man was arrested on Thanksgiving night on warrants for motor vehicle tampering out of Scotland County. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrest report, 41-year-old Sherman Robbins was named in two warrants, one each for tampering and stealing from March 2019. Bond for Robbins was revoked this October due to violation of release conditions. He was taken to Sullivan County Jail for detention.
New Mandate Helps Officials Enforce Measures
Reaction online to both the county and city-wide mask mandates has been mixed – but of the comments on the city’s Facebook page are positive. The new health ordinance establishes fines to be assessed for violations for refusing to wear masks, and refusing to quarantine. Jim LeBaron, Health Department administrator, says there is a critical public health reason people who have tested positive for COVID-19 are required to isolate, and those who have had close contact with a positive case are required to quarantine. He added that concerned citizens have been reporting violators but until now, the health department hasn’t had any way to enforce isolation measures. Now, they do. Anyone witnessing a violation of the order should call the Adair County Health Department at 660-665-8491.
Level II Learning for Some Kirksville R-III Students Starts Monday
The Kirksville R-III school district will be returning to Level II learning for some students next week. On Tuesday, the Kirksville R-III School Board voted to end the current Level III instructional format. On Monday, November 30, all Pk-8th grade students will return to Level II instruction and school activities. However, the Level III instruction for students in 9-12th grades, will continue for at least one week with the intention that high school students can be able return to Level II on Monday, December 7th.
Another Opportunity for Free COVID-19 Testing in Adair County
Another opportunity for free COVID-19 testing is coming to Adair County. The Missouri National Guard, in cooperation with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, will be conducting another free COVID-19 testing event from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., on Monday, Dec. 7, at the NEMO Fairgrounds 4-H FFA building. Testing is free to any Missouri resident and you do not have to be exhibiting any symptoms of COVID-19 to be tested. Register for the drive-through event at www.health.mo.gov/communitytest or by calling 877-435-8411 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
City of Kirksville Approves Mask Mandate
A face covering mandate is now in effect for both Adair County and the City of Kirksville. During an Emergency City Council Meeting Tuesday evening City Council members voted unanimously to approve an ordinance mandating face covering at indoor and outdoor public spaces and places of public accommodation, with some exceptions, throughout the city to slow and prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the community. This Emergency Ordinance was approved following the approval of a Mask Order by the Board of Directors of the Adair County Health Department on Monday, which asked for concurrence from local governments, including the City of Kirksville. The City has made this Emergency Ordinance, along with Frequently Asked Questions, and other related information, available on the City’s website at www.kirksvillecity.com/covid-19.
State Highway Patrol Participating in Operation CARE
Increased traffic is expected over the Thanksgiving holiday, and the State Highway Patrol is participating in Operation CARE, to ensure everyone gets to their destination safely. Sergeant Eric Brown with the Highway Patrol’s Troop B says they will be looking for dangerous and impaired drivers. He encourages nyone who sees someone who could be considered a dangerous driver to call Star 55. The counting period for the 2020 Thanksgiving holiday began yesterday at 6 p.m. and lasts through midnight on Sunday. During last year’s counting period, 11 people were killed and 634 injured in 1,594 traffic crashes. Speeding and distracted driving continue to be the leading causes of traffic crashes in the state.
Adair County Health Department Implements County-Wide Mask Order
Adair County is under a county-wide mask mandate. The Board of the Adair County Health Department voted unanimously to implement the mandate in an effort to slow the transmission of COVID-19 among residents.
It went into effect at midnight and requires all people while in Adair County to wear masks in any public accommodation or public indoor space unless they can “absolutely maintain a distance of six feet.” Masks are not required to be worn by someone while alone in an enclosed office space, or by a speaker to a group as long as the speaker can “absolutely guarantee that they will be able to maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet apart from all others during presentation.”
Face coverings may be removed in restaurants and bars when individuals are actively eating or drinking, but must be worn at all times otherwise. Owners, managers, operators or employees of an area regulated by the mandate may refuse service to anyone who refuses to wear a mask.
The mandate also requires masks in all public outdoor spaces and while taking public transportation, taxis or ride-sharing services. Face coverings are not required while participating in a sports activity; however, those on the bench and all coaches are required to wear them.
There are some exceptions to the mandate, including people with medical conditions. Learn more about the mandate on the Adair County Health Department’s website or facebook page.