Ordinance No. 2020/02-COVID-19
April 23, 2020

ANDREW COUNTY ORDINANCE ON EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC

An ordinance of emergency management in response to COVID-19 pandemic that jeopardizes the safety and welfare of the inhabitants of Andrew County, Missouri.

WHEREAS, the Honorable Governor of the State of Missouri enacted Executive Order 20-02 pursuant to the authority granted under section 44.100 and 44.110, RSMo., to protect the safety and welfare of the inhabitant of the State of Missouri in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic on or about March 13, 2020;


WHEREAS, the reasons the Honorable Governor of the State of Missouri enacted Executive Order 20-02 were detailed in that Order, including the COVID-19 pandemic endangering the safety and welfare of the inhabitants of the State of Missouri, is hereby adopted as part of this Ordinance as if fully set forth herein;


WHEREAS, Randall W. Williams, MD, FACOG, Director of the Department of Health and Senior Services, finding it necessary to protect public health and prevent the further spread of COVID-19, pursuant to the authority granted under section 192.020, RSMo, and 19 CSR 20-20.040 enacted an order to go into effect on March 21, 2020 and again on April 3 & 6, 2020, ordering all citizens to stay at home;


WHEREAS,the Director’s Orders dated March 21, 2020 and April 6, 2020 are adopted as part of this Ordinance as if fully set forth herein;


WHEREAS, Andrew County, Missouri, is recognized as a third (3rd) class county within the State of Missouri pursuant to sections 46.123, 48.010, and 48.020, RSMo., as well as Article Six (6) of the Missouri Constitution, as a legal subdivision of the State of Missouri;


WHEREAS, Andrew County, Missouri, is a county without a charter form of government with governing authority to adopt ordinances or resolutions relating to affairs regarding emergency management, specifically relating to the actual occurrence of a natural or man-made disaster of major proportions within the county that jeopardizes the safety and welfare of the inhabitant within the County pursuant to authority of section 49.650, RsMO.;


WHEREAS, Andrew County, Missouri, enacts this Ordinance narrowly tailored to protect the safety and welfare of inhabitants of Andrew County, Missouri; and


WHEREAS, Andrew County, Missouri, authorizes the Andrew County Sheriff, or his deputy officers, to enforce the provisions of this Ordinance subject to the laws of the State of Missouri;


WHEREAS, the COVID-19 virus spreads between people who are in close contact with one another through respiratory droplets, and


WHEREAS, as numerous cases of COVID-19 illness and evidence of community transmission have been identified in jurisdictions bordering Andrew County, and


WHEREAS, the Andrew County Health Department does endorse, support and are actively participating in this order, and


WHEREAS, the proclamation declaring a State of Emergency currently in effect authorizes the Presiding Commissioner to take all necessary action to protect Andrew County residents;


NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDERED BY THIS HONORABLE COMMISSION OF ANDREW COUNTY, MISSOURI, AS FOLLOWS:


Section 1.


That to the maximum extent possible, citizens of Andrew County, Missouri, stay at home, and avoid public places except when necessary to perform essential duties or needs.


Section 2.


Any intentional gathering of more than (10) people in a single space or room is prohibited. Nothing in this Order prohibits the gathering of members of a household or residence of individuals who reside in such residence.


Section 3.


That for the purposes of this Ordinance the term “Essential Businesses” shall mean businesses or organizations performing functions identified in the “Guidance on Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce: Ensuring Community and National Resilience COVID-19 Response” Version 2.0 (March 28, 2020), and subsequent versions that may be issued.


Section 4.


That due to unique characteristics and risks associated with transmission dynamics, the likely spread of COVID-19 based on factors of social distancing, the clinical severity of COVID-19, the lack of vaccine or antivirals as treatment options, crowd density, the inability to ensure social distancing to prevent close contact among members of the public, the following shall apply within Andrew County, Missouri for the duration of this order.


  1. Non-essential business. As defined herein, essential-businesses shall make efforts to perform only activities that qualify the business as such unless they are capable of providing non-essential business in accordance with (1). 
  2. Any business that opens would need to provide services via curbside pickup while maintaining 6ft. or more social distancing.
  3. Salons, tattoo parlors, and close-contact services: No business or person shall provide services that require contact between a person providing the service and the customer, unless the service is for necessary medical treatment that has been ordered by a physician and deemed essential. 
  4. Essential businesses. As defined herein, essential-businesses shall make efforts to perform only activities that qualify the business as such unless they are capable of providing non-essential business in accordance with (1). 
  5. Essential Businesses and organizations shall continue operations based on the state occupancy formula issued in the Missouri Stay at Home Order issued extended April 6, 2020.
  6. Essential Businesses shall assure that unless the specific job duties being performed require less than 6 ft. social distancing all people remain separated by physical space of at least six (6) ft.
  7. Gas stations and Convenience stores: No more than ten (10) people including employees, vendors, and customers may be on the retail sales floor or any un-walled area connected to the retail sales floor, of a gas station or convenience store at any one time. All persons shall maintain 6 foot separation.
  8. Restaurants, Bars, and Food Establishments: Shall continue to operate with no indoor dining and only the use of drive-thru, pickup, or delivery while maintaining 6 ft. social distancing and in accordance with state guidelines.
  9. Recreation Type Business
  10. All indoor recreation shall remain closed to the public.
  11. All recreation that does occur shall not be in groups of 10 or more and must maintain social distancing of 6 ft.
  12. Individual sports including but not limited to: golf, running, cycling, etc. shall be allowed to reopen under approved guidelines where appropriate.
  13. Group sports to include but not limited to tennis, basketball, football, soccer, baseball, frisbee golf, etc. shall remain closed due to the risk of close contact and shared equipment.


Section 5.


People shall not visit nursing homes, long-term care facilities, retirement homes, or assisted living homes unless to provide critical assistance and in accordance with facility guidelines.


Section 6.


All places of public amusement, whether indoors or outdoors, including but not limited to, locations with amusement rides, carnivals, swimming pools, museums, fairs, children’s play centers, roller skating rinks, fitness centers, and athletic clubs shall be closed to the public.


Section 7.


All public parks and outdoor recreation areas are encouraged to remain open. Because playgrounds may increase the spread of COVID-19, all playgrounds shall be closed with appropriate notices posted.


Section 8.


This Ordinance does not prohibit schools from providing child care and Food and Nutritional Services for those children that qualify. Teachers and staff may enter the building as long as they follow directives of this Ordinance.


Section 9.


This Ordinance does not prohibit people from visiting grocery stores, merchants, gas stations, parks, banks, government, or their place of employment, so long as necessary precautions are taken and maintained to reduce transmission of COVID-19, including maintaining at least six (6) feet of distance between all individuals that are not family members.


Section 10.


For offices and workplaces that remain open, individuals shall practice good hygiene and, where feasible, work from home to achieve optimum isolation from COVID-19. The more that people reduce their public contact, the sooner COVID-19 will be contained and the sooner this Ordinance will expire.


Section 11.


The Andrew County Sheriff, and/or his deputy law enforcement officers, the personnel of the Andrew County Sheriff’s Office, the Andrew County Prosecuting Attorney, the personnel of the Andrew County Prosecuting Attorney’s offices, Andrew County Commission, Andrew County Health Department personnel, and any other county employee or agent shall be immune from personal liability for enforcing the provisions of this Ordinance subject to the laws of the State of Missouri.


Section 12.


A violation of this Ordinance shall be punished by a fine not to exceed five-hundred dollars and zero cents ($500.00) per day of violation. For purposes of calculating the penalty for violating this Ordinance, a month constitutes thirty (30) days.


Section 13.


This Ordinance shall immediately be in full force and effect on the date of its passage by the Honorable Andrew County Commission.


Section 14.


This Ordinance will remain in effect until 11:59 pm May 3, 2020.


SO ORDERED, PASSED, AND ADOPTED BY UNANIMOUS DECISION THIS 23rd DAY OF APRIL 2020, AT 3:00 P.M.


Honorable Bob Caldwell, Presiding Commissioner


Honorable Gary Baumann West District Commissioner


Honorable Fritz Hegeman, East District Commissioner


Honorable Sarah Miller, Clerk


Click here for PDF

Community Health Screenings in Andrew County

May 28, 2025
The Andrew County Health Department provides various health screening services to help residents monitor their health status. These screenings are designed to detect potential health concerns early and provide information that individuals can discuss with their healthcare providers. What Are Health Screenings? Health screenings are basic tests or checks that can identify potential health concerns. These screenings are not diagnostic tests and do not replace visits to primary care providers. They serve as preliminary assessments that can indicate whether further medical evaluation may be warranted. Available Screening Services The Andrew County Health Department offers several types of health screenings including blood pressure checks, vision and hearing screenings, STD and HIV testing, tuberculosis testing, and blood sugar and cholesterol screenings at special events. These screenings are conducted by trained public health professionals in private settings, with results typically available during the visit or within a few days for laboratory tests. Screening Process Each type of screening follows specific procedures. Blood pressure screenings involve using a cuff to measure blood pressure, which takes approximately one minute. Vision screenings test visual clarity using eye charts. STD testing may involve collecting samples such as urine or swabs for laboratory analysis, with confidential results provided within a few days. Hearing screenings use headphones to test hearing range across different sound frequencies. Most screenings require minimal preparation and no extensive paperwork. Individuals who receive results indicating potential concerns are provided with referral information for follow-up care with healthcare providers of their choice. Privacy and Confidentiality All screening services follow strict public health privacy standards. Personal health information and results are shared only with the individual being screened. This confidential approach is particularly important for sensitive services such as HIV or STD testing, which are provided in a supportive, non-judgmental environment. Screening Locations and Events The Andrew County Health Department conducts screenings at their office location and participates in community outreach events throughout the year. These outreach activities may include local school events, community health fairs, back-to-school events, workplace wellness programs, and mobile clinics in rural areas. Information about upcoming screening events and locations is available on the health department's website and social media channels. Preparation for Screenings Most screenings require minimal preparation. General recommendations include wearing clothing with short sleeves for easy access during blood pressure or tuberculosis testing, bringing a list of current medications, avoiding caffeine before blood pressure screenings as it may temporarily affect readings, and bringing identification if requested, though most screenings are open to all residents. Individuals with specific questions about preparation can contact the health department in advance. Accessibility and Cost Many screening services are available at no cost or low cost to residents. These services are generally accessible to the public regardless of insurance status. Some screenings operate on a walk-in basis, while others may require scheduling. Contact information and availability details can be obtained by calling the health department. Community Health Impact Health screenings contribute to community health monitoring by helping identify health trends and needs within the population. This information assists public health officials in developing appropriate community health programs and responses. Contact Information For information about upcoming screening events, scheduling, costs, and specific screening services, visit andrewcountyhealth.com or contact the Andrew County Health Department directly. Current screening schedules and locations are regularly updated on the department's website and social media platforms.

Food Safety Inspections in Andrew County

May 21, 2025
The Andrew County Health Department conducts routine food safety inspections to help prevent foodborne illnesses and ensure food service establishments comply with local and state health regulations. These inspections are part of the department's environmental health services that protect public health in the community. Purpose of Food Safety Inspections Food safety inspections are routine visits conducted by trained environmental health specialists to verify that food service establishments follow regulations for safe food handling, sanitation, and hygiene practices. These inspections help identify and address potential food safety issues before they can affect public health. Types of Establishments Inspected Food safety inspections cover various types of food service operations including restaurants and cafes, food trucks and mobile vendors, school cafeterias, grocery stores and deli counters, temporary food booths at fairs or events, and church or nonprofit kitchens that serve the public. Any establishment that serves food to the public is subject to periodic inspections to ensure consistent safety practices across all food service environments. Inspection Components During inspections, environmental health specialists evaluate several areas related to food safety based on the Missouri Food Code. Inspection items include proper food temperatures for storage and cooking, cleanliness of food preparation areas and equipment, handwashing stations and employee hygiene practices, proper labeling and storage of chemicals, pest control and facility maintenance, dishwashing and sanitizing procedures, and safe food handling and cross-contamination prevention measures. Each inspection follows a standardized checklist, and inspectors provide written reports documenting observations and any violations found. Types of Violations Violations are categorized as either non-critical or critical. Non-critical violations, such as missing paper towels at handwashing stations or unlabeled cleaning supplies, can often be corrected immediately during the inspection. Critical violations involve more serious food safety risks, such as improper food temperatures or pest issues. These violations require follow-up inspections and, in severe cases, may result in temporary closure until the problem is resolved. The health department works with establishments to ensure violations are corrected promptly and properly. Public Health Impact Food safety inspections help prevent foodborne illnesses that can particularly affect vulnerable populations including young children, older adults, and individuals with compromised immune systems. Regular inspections help identify and correct food safety risks before they can cause illness outbreaks. Consumer Role in Food Safety Residents can contact the Andrew County Health Department to inquire about inspection reports or report food safety concerns. Public records for inspections may be available upon request. Event organizers working with food vendors can coordinate with the health department to ensure safety regulations are followed. Additional Food Safety Services Beyond inspections, the Andrew County Health Department provides food handler training and certification, plan reviews for new or remodeled food establishments, temporary food permit assistance for events, consultations for safe food handling practices, and resources on Missouri Food Code updates and guidelines. These services support food service operators in maintaining compliance with safety regulations while operating their businesses. Contact Information For information about food safety regulations, inspection reports, or food service operator resources, contact the Andrew County Health Department or visit andrewcountyhealth.com. The environmental health team provides support for food safety compliance throughout Andrew County. 

Emergency Preparedness for Andrew County Families

May 14, 2025
Emergency situations can occur with little warning, making advance preparation essential for protecting your family's safety and well-being. The Andrew County Health Department provides resources and guidance to help residents prepare for various emergency scenarios that may affect our community. Common Emergency Situations in Andrew County Andrew County residents may face several types of emergency situations, including tornadoes, flash floods, ice storms and power outages, disease outbreaks, heat waves, and hazardous material incidents. Understanding these potential risks helps families prepare appropriately for local conditions. Building an Emergency Supply Kit An emergency supply kit should contain essential items to sustain your family for at least 72 hours. Basic supplies include bottled water (one gallon per person per day), non-perishable food and manual can opener, flashlight with extra batteries, first aid kit, phone chargers and power banks, weather radio, personal hygiene items, medications and medical supplies, extra clothing and blankets, copies of important documents, and cash in small bills. Customize your emergency kit based on the specific needs of household members, including infants, seniors, pets, or individuals with medical conditions requiring special supplies. Creating a Family Emergency Plan A family emergency plan should address key elements including escape routes from your home and neighborhood, designated meeting locations both near your home and outside your immediate area, emergency contact information with phone numbers memorized by all family members, and communication methods for staying in touch if separated during an emergency. Keep printed copies of your emergency plan in multiple locations including backpacks, vehicles, and emergency supply kits. Staying Informed During Emergencies The Andrew County Health Department provides important health and safety information during emergency situations. This may include severe weather warnings, public shelter locations, boil water advisories, road closures and detours, and disease outbreak or exposure alerts. Residents should sign up for local alert systems, follow official social media accounts, check the health department website regularly during emergencies, and maintain a weather radio for updates when other communication methods are unavailable. Home Preparedness Measures Consider implementing safety measures in your home such as anchoring large furniture to prevent tipping, installing and maintaining smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms, keeping vehicle fuel tanks at least half full, maintaining property by trimming trees and clearing gutters, and reviewing insurance policies to understand coverage. Preparing Children for Emergencies Help children understand emergency procedures through age-appropriate discussions and practice. Ensure children know how to call 911, recognize emergency alarms, locate exits, find your emergency kit, and contact a trusted adult. Regular practice of emergency procedures can help children respond appropriately during actual emergencies. Andrew County Health Department Emergency Services The health department participates in emergency preparedness and response through coordination with local and state emergency response agencies, community health alerts and safety communications, public health response during disease outbreaks, assistance with emergency shelter information and public messaging, and preparedness resources and planning materials. Additional Resources For emergency preparedness resources, planning templates, and local emergency information, visit andrewcountyhealth.com or contact the Andrew County Health Department directly. The department provides community-specific guidance and tools to support family emergency planning efforts.