A very unfortunate event happened on July 3rd at a residence outside Harrisonville city limits. The attached graphic regarding a party was posted on social media. I was told on Friday that more than 200 young people from all around the area attended. The Cass County Health Department reports five positive COVID-19 cases thus far. There will undoubtedly be more.
The current situation is that some individuals are in quarantine, several surrounding school districts have had their programs and activities interrupted, businesses with employees who have been exposed have closed temporarily to allow for disinfection and deep cleaning.
I am told the issue is further complicated in that there was no list of attendees to the party to allow for contact tracing to be done. That is why so many of us have shared the Health Department’s press release encouraging those young people who attended the party to contact them and to be tested.
I have recommended on multiple posts here that we follow the precautions we all know so well. With the numbers increasing, it's even more important that you stay at home if you can, wash your hands frequently, maintain social distance and wear a face mask when out in public. I will not debate to wear or not to wear a face mask. I just regret that it has become such a politically polarizing issue at a time when we should be pulling together to support each other as we did on September 11, 2001.
I support the efforts of the Cass County Health Department in the difficult job they have before them. If you are aware of any young people who may have attended the July 3rd party, please encourage them to contact the Health Department and to be tested. There is a testing event scheduled for Tuesday, July 14th from 7 a.m.-12 noon at Cass Regional Medical Center. Individuals can call (816) 673-4618 to schedule an appointment.
From the desk of Harrisonville Mayor Judy Bowman
