Commissioners approve “Safer-at-Home” protocol
(The following article is taken in part by the unapproved minutes from the March 27th Rooks County Commission special meeting.)
The Rooks County Commissioners met in special session for the purpose of discussing the Emergency “Safer-at-Home” order from the County Health Officer on Friday, March 27th. Present were commissioners John Ruder, Corky Hagan, Greg Balthazor; Ruthmary Muir, Rooks County Clerk; Lori Eichman, County Health Department Administrator; Butch Post, Emergency Management Director; and Dr. Jen Brull, Rooks County’s Health Officer. Chairman Ruder brought the meeting to order at 11:30 a.m., and asked Eichman to take the lead on the discussion.
Lori Eichman had been in constant contact with Dr. Jen Brull since learning there is a positive case of COVID-19 in Gove County. Dr. Brull had called Eichman the evening before about this positive case, and she felt it was time for Rooks County to issue the “Stay-at-Home” order. Dr. Brull was concerned about the local restaurant’s dining halls and bars. There was discussion about naming the order “Safer-at-Home” instead of “Stay-at-Home” thinking the public would be more attentive as to following the restrictions.
The commissioners said they were not excited about implementing the order, but they were supportive of the County Health Officer’s decision. The commissioners thought they needed to follow their County Health Officer’s advice and this order was needed at this time. Dr. Brull appreciated the Commissioner’s words and was thankful for Rooks County’s support.
Lori Eichman said that the order would be ready to go with the County Attorney’s approval and Dr. Brull’s signature. The order would not go into effect for twenty-four (24) hours after signed.
Ruder made a motion to implement the Emergency “Safer-at-Home” Order, contingent on the County Attorney’s approval. Hagan seconded the motion, and Balthazor agreed. County Attorney Danielle Muir did approve the order.
