Bulletin 2020.12.08 Operation Santa Watch Bulletin for Businesses
Parsons Police Department
Holiday Safety, COVID-19, Masks & Policing
A Message from Parsons Chief of Police Bob Spinks
I need your help.
Kansas and the four-state region are seeing significant spikes in the number of new COVID-19 cases and in hos-pitalizations. Now is the time for all of us to 'Mask Up' not merely because it is the law in Parsons and in other cities, but because it makes sense. Social distancing, washing our hands are likewise just common sense precautions.
The holiday season is upon us, and we all want our friends, family, loved ones and fellow Parsonians not to be sick and to survive this pandemic.
So in order to avoid being contacted by a Police Officer for not wearing a mask at the grocery store, shopping or in other public accommodations, help me, help our community to stamp out COVID-19.
The virus is truly our com-mon enemy.
Stay Safe & Healthy!
Robert Spinks - Chief
Holiday Safety Patrols in December
In order to make the holiday shopping season a safer and more enjoyable experience, extra patrols with Police Officers working overtime will be scheduled in December.
You'll see both marked police cars and the Police in our UTV visible at Walmart, King Cash Saver and the business district. These mobile and foot patrols with visits to businesses are designed to reduce thefts, car burglaries and discourage shoplifters.
With the pandemic, Officers will also be reminding citizens to 'Mask Up.' It's the law in Parsons and other cities, and
it's just good common sense as COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are spiking in Kansas. Don't be surprised to see a Police Officer at businesses like Walmart, grocers, and other locations.
If you see suspicious behavior while shopping or running errands during the holiday season then give us at call at 620-421-7060. If you are concerned about individuals in public accommodations without a face covering, you can call us about that too.
See It! Hear It! Report It!
Is credited with number success stories where observant citizens have called causing the arrest of criminals and wanted subjects!
When you are out shopping, be aware of your surroundings, lock those gifts and valuables in your trunk and help make Parsons a safer community.
Thank You for being a responsible Parsonian this Holiday Season and Masking Up.
Parsons City Ordinance (Law) and You
The City ordinance requires just a few common sense steps:
Businesses:
- Public accommodations (if you are open to the public), then your staff are required to wear a face mask.
- Businesses are required to have clearly visible signs posted at all public entrances that require the public to wear a face covering in the business.
Citizens:
When you are:
- In a business you are required to wear a face covering.
- Outside if you can't maintain social distancing then a mask is required.
You can download the entire ordinance by going to the Police Department website at: www.parsonspd.com
Parsons City Commissioners
The Parsons City Commission took a forward looking approach to the COVID-19 Pandemic by instituting a face cover-ing ordinance in mid-2020. Since then other Kansas cities as well as communities in the four-state region have followed suit. Our city ordinance (law) provided for extensive community education, outreach via newspaper, radio and postcard mailers with the hope that personal responsibility and self-compliance would help reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 in Parsons. The business community has continued to be in the mid-90% rate of compliance. Local schools, Labette Community College, Labette Health and other employers require full compliance of their employees as well. Now with the Winter spike in COVID-19 nationwide we are seeing imposition of face coverings to stem the spread of the virus.
Your health and the safety of family, friends, co-workers and fellow Parsonians is the concern of the Commissioners.
Centers for Disease Control (CDC): Considerations for Wearing Masks
- People age 2 and older should wear masks in public settings and when around people who don't live in their household.
- Masks offer some protection to you and are also meant to protect those around you, in case you are unknowingly infected with the virus that causes COVID-19.
- A mask is NOT a substitute for social distancing. Masks should still be worn in addition to staying at least 6 feet apart.
- Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol after touching or removing your mask.
- Masks may not be necessary when you are outside by yourself away from others, or with other people who live in your household. However, some localities may have mask mandates while out in public and these mandates should always be followed.
- CDC is still studying the effectiveness of different types of masks and will update our recommendations as new scientific evidence becomes available.
The Personal COVID Experience of Matthew Atteberry, Director Labette Mental Health - A Somber Story
Note: The following post made by Matthew Atteberry on Facebook is being shared with you by permission.
On November 6th, I was diagnosed with Covid-19 by lab test. Today, after 18 days, I was released from isolation by the Labette County Health Department. Don't read that as I "sat around" in isolation. I can say that this is the most ill I ever remember being, for the longest amount of time I can remember. The notion that this "was like the flu" is laughably inaccurate in my case. What is hum-bling is that my situation would be considered "mild." I can't imagine how awful "moderate" and "severe" would be.
For the sake of your family, loved ones, and all those involved in taking care of us should we become ill enough to need help, follow the CDC guidelines, as well as your State's Public Health authority, local Health Department, and any directives from local government.