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COVID-19 UPDATES CITY OF OZARK, MISSOURI

CITY OF OZARK CONTINUES TO FOLLOW GOVERNOR ORDERS LEADING UP TO MISSOURI’S SOFT OPENING

APRIL 29, 2020 -- The City of Ozark is continuing to follow Governor Parsons’ orders in preparation for the soft opening of the State of Missouri. Beginning May 4, 2020, the City of Ozark will begin its first step of phasing-in businesses to open back up in our community. We strongly believe that by creating a plan unique to our community that also respects and includes the set of orders given by Governor Parsons, we can continue to ensure the safety and health of our community while also revitalizing our economy here in Ozark.

Our community has been working hard at following the current stay at home order set to expire on Monday, May 4, and following Center for Disease Control guidelines, as well as maintaining the bounds of social distancing. Due to the current projected longevity of COVID-19, and the upcoming soft opening of our state and therefore our community, we strongly advise that CDC guidelines and social distancing be a continuous mantra in the lives of our community members as well as in the operations of our local businesses.

“Although the actions we had to take with our stay at home orders were difficult they were also necessary to ensure the health and safety of our community. Our citizens have done a tremendous job in ensuring the health and safety of those around them and we want to see that continue as we return to some normalcy. Ozark is full of hard-working and self-sacrificing residents that show just how much they Love their City everyday, and I implore them to continue with CDC guidelines and social distancing so that we can continue moving forward rather than backwards,” said Ozark Mayor Rick Gardner.

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Christian County, Nixa, & Ozark developing a reopen/recover plan

April 17, 2020 -- Leaders across Christian County, Nixa, and Ozark are working to create a plan for our return to normalcy. We are in ongoing discussions with area healthcare leaders and with Springfield and Greene County as we draft a plan that will ensure the health and safety of our region AND get our economy back running again as soon as safely possible. We are also taking Federal and State guidance into consideration, as we craft a plan that makes the most sense locally.

Governor Parson’s statewide stay-at-home order has been extended through 11:59 p.m. on Sunday May 3rd. Our current local orders are in effect until Friday April 24th at 11:59 p.m. Christian County, Ozark, and Nixa are working with our regional partners to evaluate the possibility of extending or modifying these orders in the appropriate phases so that we may begin getting our economy moving forward.

Stay tuned, we will provide another update about the plan before April 24th. Once we have a plan finalized, we will announce it across our communication channels.

In the meantime, please know that the Springfield/Greene County Health Department’s daily press conferences are a great source of official information which represent the best and most current guidance from health departments and local governments across our region.

April 8, 2020: City of Ozark Mayor Updates Stay at Home Order

APRIL 8, 2020: Ozark updates stay-at-home order

Ozark, MO – On April 8, 2020 Ozark Mayor Rick Gardner signed an updated stay-at-home order, bringing it into agreement with the statewide stay-at-home order on certain points. It will still maintain the same stricter provisions already in place by order of the Mayor since March 26th. This order will provide consistency with the Springfield and Greene County stay-at-home orders to reduce confusion across jurisdictional lines.

The updates are:

Any essential business engaged in retail sales to the public shall limit the number of customers in any particular retail location at any one time to a maximum of:

• The result of the total square feet of the building at the retail location divided by 30

  • Times twenty-five (25) percent for a retail location with square footage of less than ten thousand square feet (10,000 ft2)
  • Times ten (10) percent for a retail location with square footage of ten thousand square feet (10,000 ft2) or more.

Firearm repair has been added to the list of essential businesses and, pursuant to Section 44.101 RSMo, the order shall not be construed to prohibit or restrict the lawful possession, transfer, sale, transportation, storage, display, or use of

firearms or ammunition during the declared state of emergency.

Insurance has been added in Section III(A)(2)(w) as an essential business.

The Amended Order does not change the requirement to follow the CDC social distancing guidelines at all times including, but not limited to,

• Maintaining at least a 6-foot distance from other individuals

• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least twenty seconds and using hand sanitizer

• Regularly cleaning high surface areas

• Avoiding handshake

This amended order goes into effect April 9, 2020 at 12:01 a.m. and will remain in effect until 11:59 p.m. on April 24, 2020.

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FULL UPDATED STAY AT HOME ORDER:

March 24, 2020: City of Ozark Mayor announces Civil Emergency Order

Part I: Order from the Mayor of Ozark. Please click photo(s) to enlarge:

Part II: Order From Mayor. Please click photos to enlarge:

Questions about businesses, employment, and government operations. Please click photo(s) to enlarge:

Stay At Home FAQ:

Please click photo(s) to enlarge.

The City of Ozark’s top priority is to protect the health and safety of our residents and employees while continuing to provide essential public services to our citizens. We are in frequent communication with our partners at the Christian County Health Department and health officials at local, state, and federal agencies who are monitoring the situation and providing guidance on how to respond to COVID-19.

To reduce the risk of community spread of COVID-19, the City of Ozark is evaluating City operations and is taking steps to limit exposure. Beginning Wednesday March 18, 2020 the City is implementing temporary precautionary changes to non-essential City operations to protect City employees and the public who use City services by limiting person-to-person contact.

For more information on other closures for the City of Ozark, please follow our social media pages and visit our website:

PRESS RELEASES + UPDATES

April 16, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Christian County holding at eighteen (18) positive COVID-19 cases

Ozark, MO -Christian County Health Department is pleased to share that we are holding steady at eighteen (18) total COVID-19 positive cases that have been reported in Christian County. Twelve (12) of the eighteen (18) cases have now recovered from the virus. That leaves only six (6) cases that are being monitored at this time from the positive group.

A large number of close contacts have been monitored throughout the past several weeks. Of the large group that we have been monitoring, only seven (7) are still being monitored.

That leaves our numbers at only thirteen (13) people that need to be monitored in Christian County. These numbers are very encouraging for a county as large as ours.

Cindy Bilyleu, Christian County Health Director said, “We firmly believe that social distancing and good handwashing etiquette has helped keep our case count down thus far.” Governor Parsons stated in his press conference today that it is very possible we will start to see businesses start opening back up and employees going back to work during the first week in May.

Continue to do all you can while the order is still in place to keep our county as healthy as possible. It will give us a great start to moving into this new phase of the COVID-19 pandemic and recovery.

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April 14, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Christian County working to contain COVID-19

Ozark, MO - The Christian County Health Department, along with Missouri Department of Public Health and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), are closely monitoring available information on COVID-19. Christian County Health Department is continuing to work alongside our regional partners to make sure that every effort to contain the virus is made.

There have been eighteen (18) confirmed positive cases so far in Christian County. Of the eighteen (18) confirmed cases there have been eight (8) recoveries. It is important to note that some of those not listed as “recovered” are free of symptoms but haven’t met the mandatory CDC timeline for being declared recovered.

The staff of Christian County Health Department is tasked with protecting the health of our entire county, and does so with professionalism, integrity, and pride. While performing communicable disease investigations, CCHD strives to safeguard the private health information of affected patients. In some rare cases it is necessary to share normally protected information related to the investigation for the purpose of protecting the public. Such decisions are not made lightly, and the CCHD utilizes the guidance of our state and federal public health partners as well as the latest epidemiological findings to come to a reasoned conclusion about necessity.

Preventing the spread of COVID-19 in our communities is a shared responsibility. We must all assume that we could be infected by any person we encounter and any home or business we enter. Everyone must physically distance themselves and continue to practice thorough hand-washing techniques. Christian County Health Department is appreciative of all the residents who are staying at home. We thank our community leaders, first responders, and healthcare providers for their service and self-sacrifice. We are grateful for the public’s support during this time while we continue to work tirelessly to slow the spread of the virus and safeguard private health information. As we learn more about COVID-19 with each passing day, we will continue to work with our partners across the county to carry out our mission to protect the health of Christian County’s citizens. Updates to our current numbers and processes can be found on the Christian County Health Department Facebook page and at christiancountyhealth.com.

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March 30, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Taney County Health Department Investigates Case of COVID-19 in Healthcare Worker

Christian County Health Department is partnering with the Taney County Health Department and Cox Medical Center Branson on the investigation of a Christian County resident testing positive for COVID-19. The individual is a healthcare employee at CoxHealth Heart Center, a stand-alone clinic Branson. Anyone who was in close contact has been notified and the individual is in isolation at this time.

There have been ten (10) confirmed case of COVID-19 in Christian County. Currently cases are spread fairly even between Nixa (4), Ozark (3), and Sparta (3). While we are reporting cities with positive cases; it is important to remember that at this time these locations are not at an increased risk for new exposures or contraction of COVID19. It is just as likely that our next case could reside at any one of the other communities in our county that have yet to have a case. Christian County Health Department asks that you please stay at home unless you must go out for essential items, such as food and medications.

Symptoms of COVID-19 include cough, fever, and shortness of breath. Preventive measures continue to be the best way to slow the spread of COVID-19. Prevention for individuals includes; washing your hands, avoid gatherings of 10 or more, and stay at home unless essential.

For additional COVID-19 information, visit www.christiancountyhealth.net , or follow us on Facebook @christiancountyhealth

If you are sick, call your physician. If you don’t have a physician, call the state hotline: 877-435-8411

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March 20, 2020 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Christian County only has 1 confirmed case of COVID-19.Ozark, MO – The Missouri Department of Health has reported to the Christian County Health Department that as of 5:30pm on Friday March 20th, only one (1) Christian County resident has tested positive for COVID-19 since the beginning of the pandemic. Previous reports of their being two (2) COVID-19 cases in Christian County were inaccurate.

On Wednesday March 18th, the Christian County Health Department reported to the news media that there were two (2) positive tests in Christian County after learning of the results from the Missouri Department of Health. On the evening of Thursday March 19th, the Christian County Health Department was informed that the second case (in which the patient had visited James River Church South Campus, in Ozark on March 8th) was not, in fact, attributable to Christian County, as the person who tested positive is indeed a resident of Greene County. The Christian County Health Department is reporting as of 5:30 p.m on Friday March 20th, 7 Chrsitian County residents have tested negative for COVID-19

The Christian County Health Department has been notified that tests for 23 other Christian County residents are still being processed by various testing labs. However, those who call the state hotline and are referred directly to a lab for testing may not be included in that number. So far, none of those results have been reported to the Christian County Health Department. Tests processed by private labs have been taking approximately 4-6 days to return results. Test processed by the state lab have generally returned results within 24 hours.

Christian County Health Department Administrator Cindy Bilyeu says, “This is a serious situation, but we are monitoring each tested person and their contacts closely. We are contacting those who need to be quarantined out of an abundance of caution. Currently, about 40 Christian County residents have been instructed to remain in quarantine. The main message we are trying to get out right now is if you have been sent home, stay home.” The Christian County Health Department strongly recommends: No gatherings of 10 or more people. Stay informed with information from the CDC. Practice social distancing. Wash your hands and practice good hand hygiene. If you are sick, call your physician. If you don't have a physician call the state hotline at 877-435-8411

Press Release from Springfield-Greene County Health Department:

As part of our duty to protect the public's health, we are informing of potential COVID-19 exposure in the community. People who were at these locations on these dates are at low risk for contracting COVID-19, but should monitor for symptoms. There is no need to self-quarantine or isolate unless symptoms develop. Health Department staff have been working the investigation on the fourth case aggressively and have determined that public warning of the activities around this case and the international travelers who visited is warranted.

On Thursday, March 5, the international travelers and our fourth case had lunch in the upstairs area of Bruno’s Italian Restaurant. They then shopped at Branson Landing.On Friday, March 6, the international travelers had breakfast at Hemingway’s and shopped at Bass Pro. On Thursday, March 12, our case had a dinner meeting in a private room at Ocean Zen. On Friday, March 13, our case had lunch at Big Biscuit on South Campbell. Read full release at https://www.springfieldmo.gov/civicalerts.aspx?AID=6597.

Wednesday, March 18, 2020: The OC is closing beginning March 18, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. The current reopen date is April 4. The OC will be open for phone calls Monday- Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. You can call to register for future programs/events or register on our website www.ozarkmissouri.com. If you have questions about your membership or programs please call 417-581-7002 or email marissah@ozarkmissouri.com during office hours.

The Ozark City Hall and Public Works Field Office lobbies will be closed to the public beginning March 23 due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. The City is encouraging residents to stay home as much as possible over the coming days and weeks and abide by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations. Closing our lobby was not an easy decision, but it was a necessary step to help protect our customers and employees. For more information on how to pay your utility bill or reach city staff scroll to City Hall/Administration tab below.

OZARK POLICE DEPARTMENT

Updated as of Tuesday, March 17. 2020:

  • The PD lobby will remain open for the use of emergency phone; however staff will not be available to assist walk-in citizens
  • No fingerprints will be taken in the lobby;
  • We encourage all citizens to call 417-581-6600 before coming to the police department to file a report;
  • Ozark Police Officers will be limiting personal contact with citizens when appropriate by making telephone contact;
  • If you need a copy of a police report, you can either call 417-581-6600 or email records@ozarkpd.org to process your request;
  • OPD's citizen ride-a-long program will be suspended until further notice.

We want to thank everyone for their patience as we deal with this unprecedented situation. Please know that we will still respond to all in progress crimes, be providing proactive patrols throughout the city and respond to any instances where preservation of life is required.

Law Department & Municipal Court

Ozark Municipal Court will be sending correspondence via U.S. Mail to all those individuals scheduled for court dates on March 24, April 7, April 14, and April 21. If you have questions about your case we encourage you to check Missouri CaseNet at the link below prior to calling. The Ozark Municipal Court will do our best to answer all calls and questions related to this news release:

Public Works Department

Last updated: Sunday, March 22, 2020

Public Works Employees will continue to provide the Citizens of Ozark with essential services. Our primary focus will be maintaining, operating and improving the city’s stormwater, streets, sanitary sewer, water systems and pedestrian pathways.

The Public Works Field Office located at 307 E. Brick is currently CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC.To reach the Public Works Field Office please call 417-581-1702 during business hours Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m-5:00 p.m. For after-hours question/emergency please call 417-581-9303.

The Limb Pickup schedule has been postponed. We do not have alternative dates selected at this time. We will post the rescheduled dates as soon as a decision is made.

Trash-Republic Services All trash will need to be bagged and placed inside trash containers (NO trash outside of the containers) Bulk pick-up will be suspended until further notice (this is as precaution to prevent RS employees from manually picking up trash and other discarded items)

Parks Department & Ozark Community Center “The OC”

LATEST UPDATE AS OF WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 2020: The OC is closing beginning March 18, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. The current reopen date is April 4. You register for future programs/events or register on our website www.ozarkmissouri.com. If you have questions about your membership or programs please call 417-581-7002 or email marissah@ozarkmissouri.com.

Playgrounds are CLOSED. Trails remain open and are following normal hours. Bathroom facilities will be closed in parks until further notice. All parks staff and visitors are advised to follow CDC prevention guidelines, including hand washing, social distancing, avoiding touching your face, covering coughs and sneezes and staying home while sick.

Easter Egg Hunt: Cancelled

Finley River Night Light 5K: Cancelled

Youth Sports/Youth Programs

Soccer: Spring session is cancelled. We will begin offering credits/refunds. Please be patient as we start this process

Volleyball:Spring session is cancelled. We will begin offering credits/refunds. Please be patient as we start this process

Baseball/Softball: Softball draft is May 9, Baseball draft is May 10. Practices will start Monday May 11. Games will begin the week of June 1.

Swim Team: Cancelled until May 1. A partial refund will be issued to March participants.

Swim Lessons and Martial Arts: March and April swim lessons will be canceled for the rest of the month. We will issue a partial credit for the missed lessons.

Ballet, Gymnastics & Home School PE: Current participants will receive a partial credit for the missed classes in March, April, and May .

Rentals/Birthday Parties: These will be reviewed on a case by case basis. We will reach out to rentals by phone or email to discuss your event. You are welcome to email events@ozarkmissouri.com to discuss your rental.

We ask that anyone who is considered high risk to not come to organized park activities. If you are feeling sick, please stay home.

City Hall/Administration

Last updated: Tuesday, April 7, 2020

The Ozark City Hall and Public Works Field Office lobbies will be closed to the public beginning March 23 due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. The City is encouraging residents to stay home as much as possible over the coming days and weeks and abide by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations. Closing our lobby was not an easy decision, but it was a necessary step to help protect our customers and employees. For more information on how to pay your utility bill or reach city staff scroll to City Hall/Administration tab below.

We offer several options for customers needing to pay a utility bill currently. Customers can:

• Pay online by visiting www.ozarkmissouri.com and clicking "Water/Sewer Bill Pay."

• Pay 24/7 via our automated hotline, 417-581-2744 (you will need your account number and invoiced amount amount.)

• Pay by regular mail by sending in payment along with the statement you receive in the mail. Or use the night drop box located at City Hall

• For now the drive-thru window will remain open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday for your convenience but making an online or phone payment is currently the safest option.

While the lobby is closed, customers who need to connect or disconnect a utility service are asked to call 417-581-2744 for information.

Call departments in advance to discuss issues you may have and determine if an in-person meeting is needed. City departments will work to schedule virtual meetings and conference calls to continue as much business as possible.

City Hall: 417-581-2407

PREVENTION METHODS

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) symptoms are reported to range from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed cases, according to the CDC.

Symptoms of COVID-19 include:

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Shortness of Breath

Emergency Warning Signs include:

  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
  • New confusion or inability to arouse
  • Bluish lips or face

CDC warns that this list is not all inclusive, and recommends to consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning.

6 Ways to Prevent COVID-19:

  1. Wash your hands often
  2. Put distance between yourself and others
  3. Avoid close contact with sick people
  4. Stay home if you are sick
  5. Cover coughs and sneezes
  6. Wear a mask if you are sick or you are caring for someone who is sick

Additional Resources:

If you are immunocompromised, a person with disabilities, or an older individual, and are therefor considered higher-risk for COVID-19, the Administration for Community Living has created a page for what you need to know; please access it through the link below. The CDC also has a page dedicated to higher-risk individuals linked below.

We will continue to work in coordination with our partner agencies, as well as the state and federal government, to monitor this evolving situation and to ensure our response actions are based on the latest facts. We will communicate updates to the Ozark Community as the situation changes and as we make additional decisions regarding our local response.

Last Updated: Wednesday, March 18, 2020