Opinion column
by Murrel Bland
Mayor David Alvey makes it very clear—the coronavirus pandemic poses a serious threat to residents of Wyandotte County. However, various public and private organizations have recognized this and are cooperating to deal with the threat.
In a teleconference convened at 2 p.m. Monday, March 23, Maureen Mahoney, the mayor’s chief of staff, briefed business leaders. They included representatives of the Kansas City, Kansas, Area Chamber of Commerce, the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Wyandotte Economic Development Council, the Fairfax Industrial Association and Business West.
Mahoney said as of Monday afternoon, there were 16 persons in Wyandotte County that had tested positive for coronavirus. She praised such organizations as the YMCA and area schools for offering to help to provide child care, particularly for emergency service personnel such as police and firefighters.
Mahoney said the Unified Government’s website, www.wycokck.org is a resource for businesses seeking financial assistance.
Mayor Alvey has joined with elected officials from other metropolitan counties to require a 30-day period that started at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, March 24, for residents to remain at home except for essential activities for health and safety. Residents can go to grocery stores, pharmacies, hardware stores, doctor’s offices, banks and restaurants offering carryout.
Mahoney said Alan Carr, the executive director of the Kansas City, Kansas, Convention and Visitors’ Bureau, has made a list for the bureau’s website that tells the restaurants that are open for carryout and delivery. The website is www.VisitKansasCityKS.com
Mahoney reminded people that they should continue to keep groups to 10 persons or less, practice good hygiene including washing hands and stay at least six feet away from other persons.
Mahoney said although the threat of coronavirus is very serious, the Unified Government’s order is not martial law.
Mark Dupree, the Wyandotte County district attorney, has reported that individuals, including those who are undocumented, will not be arrested or detained for seeking medical attention. He said the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency has adjusted its enforcement posture, effective March 18.
Murrel Bland is the former editor of The Wyandotte West and The Piper Press. He is executive director of Business West.
Thanks for letting me know – you all stay safe out in the Public
That was a telephone or teleconference meeting. Many times we will be staying in, and covering such events remotely by video or phone, etc. I use the phone and email a lot.