March 13, 2020 Media Release

Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. issued an executive order yesterday prohibiting large group events of 1,000 or more people in all of Jackson County in an effort to remain consistent with the City of Kansas City and reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Public health officials have since announced the first death related to the virus in Wyandotte County, emphasizing that it is the first instance of community spread in the metropolitan area. Due to this information, the County Executive believes it is prudent to modify his original order.

Today, County Executive White has amended his executive order further enhancing the County’s ability to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. The new order now calls for no large group events of 250 or more people, which is consistent with CDC guidelines and policies across the nation, including Washington State, Oregon, California, Minnesota, Massachusetts and Maryland.

The County Executive’s order applies to all of eastern Jackson County, including, but not limited to:

• Blue Springs
• Blue Summit
• Buckner
• Grain Valley
• Grandview
• Greenwood
• Independence
• Lake Lotawana
• Lake Tapawingo
• Lee’s Summit
• Levasy
• Lone Jack
• Martin City
• Oak Grove
• Sugar Creek
• Raytown

The County’s restriction on large group events applies to all non-essential professional, social and community gatherings where people are not separated by physical space of at least four feet (which is slightly longer than an average arm’s length).

The order does not apply to activities such as attendance at regular school classes, work, essential public transportation, airport travel, shopping at a store or mall or congregate living situations.

Currently, there are no cases of COVID-19 in Jackson County. The Jackson County Health Department is working closely with its partners across the community and region to monitor this rapidly evolving situation. The public can stay informed by signing up for digital updates or submitting questions to public health experts in the County by visiting www.jacohd.org.