Johnson County PHO Lifts Restrictions on Some Businesses

Johnson County Public Health Officer Dr. Mark Schueler has started to lift restrictions on some local businesses that have applied for exemptions to the State Health Order.

That’s according to the latest release from the County Emergency Operations Center.

The release said there will be no more exemptions granted this week, and only businesses that involve low amounts of public traffic may apply to the Emergency Operations Center for the exemption.

The easing of restrictions is contingent upon the continued low number of COVID-19 cases in the county.

During the County Board of Health Meeting Tuesday, Dr. Schueler said he had a request from a business in Kaycee asking for an exemption based on a clause, which he explained.

Dr. Schueler said at this point, he believes people locally are suffering more from restrictions than they are the virus, and that we should begin opening a few businesses and re-establishing some economic health in the community.

The exemption policy, which allows a few businesses to begin seeing people under controlled conditions, is the way to transition back to economic health, he said.

The three businesses allowed to reopen were a nail salon in Kaycee, an athletic club in Buffalo, and a hair salon in Kaycee.

All must adhere to strict guidleines such as social distancing, a thorough cleaning regimen, limiting the number of patrons at one time, and other criteria.

Dr. Schueler continues to recommend county residents continue to be vigilant with personal hygiene and social distancing.