Jackson County has announced plans to modify protocols to the current health order, particularly when it comes to those relating to capacity restrictions.
     County Executive Frank White , Jr. stressed that while some of these restrictions are being eased, the mask mandate and social distancing protocols remain in effect.                  
     The new order takes effect at 12:01 a.m. Friday, April 9, 2021, the same day Phase 3 of the state’s vaccination plan is activated, which opens vaccine eligibility to all Missouri adults.
     “Over the past year, we have made tremendous strides to combat this pandemic and we don’t want to lose the progress that we’ve made,” White said. 
     “In order to do that, we must continue to wear face coverings and maintain our distance from others when in public spaces out of respect for those in our community who are waiting to be vaccinated. If we remain diligent in our prevention efforts, we will be one step closer to getting back some normalcy in our daily lives.”
      “Our health department is focused on increasing education of the vaccines that are available, providing access to them, signing up as many residents as possible and getting vaccines in arms,” Jackson County Health Department Director Bridgette Schaffer, MPH, said.
     “We look forward to receiving increased vaccine supply in the coming weeks to continue our commitment to public health and safety.”
      The protocols that will be revised beginning April 9 include:
     All essential and non-essential businesses, including gyms, fitness and recreation centers, can open at full capacity. Mask wearing and social distancing are required.
     Restaurants, bars and taverns can operate at full capacity to serve food and alcohol. Mask wearing and social distancing are required.
     There are no capacity limits on gatherings. Mask wearing and social distancing are required.
     To sign up to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, visit the Jackson County Health Department website at https://jacohd.org/covid-vaccines.
     Jackson County residents and businesses can find additional resources and information online at www.jacohd.org/coronavirus, by phone at (816) 404-6415, or via email at COVID19@tmcmed.org.
 

  The Jackson County Legislature passed an ordinance March 22nd to help families throughout Jackson County who were evicted from their homes as of February 3, 2021 as adjudicated in cases by the 16th Circuit Court.
     These households were unable to pay current and past due rent and utility bills as part of the ongoing crisis due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
     The amount of $387,946.84 will immediately assist 152 people, with portions to help 87 people with Court costs and help 65 families to keep possession of their homes. These families may also qualify to get further assistance as there will be additional funds made available from the State of Missouri for rental assistance.
     These funds are part of the $11.5 million grant issued to Jackson County as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, which established a $25 billion Federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program for state, county and municipal governments. 
     In a press release, the County Legislature stated it “feels a duty to be responsive to the needs of all citizens of Jackson County and will continue to do so. During these times when there continues to be incredible amounts of suffering by families, friends, neighbors, schools and businesses, by no fault of their own, their is light at the end of the tunnel. That light comes in the form of the COVID-19 numbers coming down along with the number of hospitalizations and deaths associated with this pandemic.”
     We also have at least 136 million additional federal dollars to help get our lives, schools and economy heading in the right direction that has just come into Jackson County with this last aid package.”
     The County legislature approved an ordinance on March 22nd, authorizing  
the use of $11,550,205 in grant monies the County received from the federal government to launch an Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP). The program would provide financial assistance and housing stability services to Eastern Jackson County families struggling financially. Households facing imminent eviction would receive priority assistance.
     The Community Services League and United Way of Greater Kansas City have formed a collaborative partnership to implement and administer the County’s program.
     “Many families are in dire need of help and this is our opportunity to provide a lifeline to them during these challenging times,” Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. said. 
     “I am grateful for our local partners who share our commitment of housing stability and will assist us in getting these critical dollars to those in need as quickly as possible.”
     Eligible households include renters who demonstrate a risk of experiencing housing instability, have seen their income reduced by the COVID-19 pandemic, and earn a household income at or below 80% of the county median income. Once approved, eligible individuals may receive up to 12 months of assistance. Rental and utility assistance payments are made directly to the landlord or utility provider on behalf of the tenant.
     More information about the program including eligibility requirements, an application checklist and to sign-up to be notified when the application portal is open, can be found at www.jacksoncountyerap.org. Detailed program information is also readily available for Spanish-speaking families at www.jacksoncountyerap.org/espanol.
     The $11.5 million grant is part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, which established a $25 billion Federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program for state, county and municipal governments. The amount of funding received is based on the County’s population, excluding the City of Kansas City, MO.
 

     The Eastern Jackson County Yard Waste Collection Center, located at
37910 E Pink Hill Road, Oak Grove, MO 64075, opens Saturday, April 3rd. The center is open each Saturday April through November, 8:00am—4:00pm.
     Yard waste only is accepted at the center, with the following fees for residents applying:
     Pick-up trucks and small trailers: $15
     Large trucks and large trailers: $10 per 
     cubic yard
     Bags: $1

     Items not accepted:
     Aluminum Cans
     Glass
     Hazardous Waste
     Metal
     Plastic Bottles
     Tires
     Trash
     Visit https://www.jacksongov.org/495/Yard-Waste-Collection-Center for more information.
 

     Jackson County Public Works Environmental Health Division inspects all restaurants, grocery stores, schools, mobile food and temporary food establishments in the City of Grain Valley. The following violations were reported in the last 30 days:
 
Grain Valley High School
551 AA Hwy
No Violations
 
Dollar General Store #9597
105 E. Rock Creek Lane
Observed no drying provision provided in both restrooms. Corrected. Paper towels were placed in restrooms.
Observed damage to walls in the back storage area with sharp edges.
Correct By:4/24/2021
 
Domino's
451 NW Eagles Parkway
1. Bottle of dish soap was stored on clean dish rack. Corrected. 2. Chemical spray bottle was stored on prep counter with dressings. Corrected.
Food stored in the top of the pizza prep table was not held at 41*F or below. Re-inspection required. Out of temperature food was discarded because it had been in the table over 2 hours. Some of the food in the table had a temperature as follows: Chicken 51*F, Salami 54*F, Pineapple 51*F.  Correct By:  2/26/2021
Screens used to cook chicken wings on had dry food debris and were stored on a dirty rack. Corrected. Screens were cleaned immediately.
In-use utensils such as pizza peel & pizza cutters were held at room temperature and not cleaned at least every 4 hours. Corrected. Cleaned immediately.
1. Wire rack near prep table had dry food debris on it. 2. Spice holder attached to side of prep table had an accumulation of dry food debris. Corrected. 3. Blue containers at pizza cutting table had dry food debris on them and inside the bins.  Correct By:4/25/2021
Establishment did not have a working thermometer to check the temperature of food.  Correct By:4/25/2021
Failure to Secure Food Handler Permit.  Correct By: 3/26/2021
 
 
Captain's Sports Lounge
301 SW Eagles Parkway
Cooked ground beef located at make ready was out of temp. (Corrected on site). Employee discarded the beef.
Linens were kept on the floor in the furnace room. Corrected. Employee moved linens.
Coffee in a carboard box was stored on the ground in the kitchen. Corrected. Employee moved the coffee.
Multiple employee cups without lids located in the kitchen area. Corrected. Employee discarded cups.
Failure to Secure Food Handler Permit. Correct By:  3/28/2021
 
Casey's General Store # 3325
1111 Buckner Tarsney Rd.
Walk in freezer where the bag of ice had food debris under the racks.  Correct By: 5/2/2021
Make ready table had food debris on the bottom inside. Kitchen drawers with the clean utensils had food residues in the pizza area.  Correct By: 5/2/2021
 
Comfort Inn
210 NW Jefferson St.
No violations recorded.
 
MO Country
401 East South Outer Belt Road
No violations recorded.
 
Casey's General Store # 3325
1111 Buckner Tarsney Rd.
No violations recorded.
 
Grain Valley Marketplace 8
1131 NE McQuerry Road
No violations recorded.
 
MO Country
401 East South Outer Belt Road
Dishwasher was not sanitizing. Corrected on site. Manager fixed the bucket so that sanitizer could come out.
 
Casey's General Store #2209
1251 AA Hwy
No violations recorded.
 

Jackson County Health Department will offer the following COVID-19 testing locations March 22nd—26th:
 
Monday:  Lee’s Summit
This is a Drive-Thru
505 NW Blue Parkway, Lee’s Summit 64063
Registration link: https://jacohd.jotform.com/210316536914856
 
Tuesday: Grandview
This is not a drive-thru clinic
The View: Grandview- The View Community Center  13500 Byars Rd., Grandview MO 64030.
Registration link: https://jacohd.jotform.com/210316088814857
 
Wednesday: Blue Springs
 This is not a drive thru clinic
Vesper Hall 400 NW Vesper St. Blue Springs
Registration link: https://jacohd.jotform.com/210325011127840
 
Thursday: Lee’s Summit
 This is a drive-thru
505 NW Blue Parkway, Lee’s Summit 64063
Registration link: https://jacohd.jotform.com/210316182714851
 
Friday: Independence
Not a drive-thru
Independence Uptown Farmers Market- 211 W Truman Rd., Independence MO 64050
Registration Link: https://jacohd.jotform.com/210325192814853
 

Jackson County Health Department will offer the following COVID-19 testing locations next week (February 15-19):
 
Monday:  Lee’s Summit
This is a Drive-Thru
Lee’s Summit- 505 NW Blue parkway, Lee’s Summit 64063
Registration link: https://jacohd.jotform.com/210315823614851

Tuesday: Grandview
This is not a drive-thru clinic
Metro Christian Fellowship- 2217 High Grove Rd. Grandview, Mo. 64030
Registration link: https://jacohd.jotform.com/210345487427862

Wednesday: Blue Springs
This is not a drive thru clinic
Blue Springs- Vesper Hall 400 NW Vesper St. Blue Springs
Registration link: https://jacohd.jotform.com/210325495614857

Thursday: Lee’s Summit
This is a drive-thru
Lee’s Summit- 505 NW Blue Parkway, Lee’s Summit 64063
Registration link: https://jacohd.jotform.com/210316381814853

​Friday: Independence
Not a drive-thru
Independence- Independence Uptown Farmers Market- 211 W Truman Rd., Independence MO 64050
Registration Link: https://jacohd.jotform.com/210324505414846

Jackson County Public Works Environmental Health Division inspects all restaurants, grocery stores, schools, mobile food and temporary food establishments in the City of Grain Valley. The following violations were reported in the last 30 days:
 
Casey's General Store #2209                 
1251 AA Hwy
Fountain machine had grime buildup underneath by nozzles. Correct by 3/13/21.
Observed dust build up on ceiling tiles above make ready table. Fryer vent hood in the kitchen has dust and grease built up. Correct by 3/13/21.
The walk in freezer had boxes of food stored on the floor because lack of storage space. Correct by 3/13/21.
Failure to Secure Food Handler Permit. Correct by 2/11/21.
 
Stony Point Elementary
1001 SW Ryan Rd.
Observed a significant ice buildup in the outdoor walk in freezer. Correct by 3/14/21.
 
McDonald's
712 N. Main St.
No violations reported.
 
Matthews Elementary
144 McQuerry Rd.
No violations reported.
 
Lin's Kitchen
111 SW Eagles Pkwy.
Observed several containers of food without dates, all food was immediately dated. Corrected on site.
The can opener blade had a stuck on food debris, can opener was immediately cleaned and sanitized. Corrected on site.
Observed food being stored on the floor, food was immediately moved onto a shelf. Corrected on site.
 
Prairie Branch Elementary School
2100 Dillingham Rd.
No violations reported.
 
Sni-a-Bar Elementary
701 SW Eagles Pkwy
No violations reported.
 
Porky's Blazin Bar-B-Q
9512 S Buckner Tarsney Road
Observed an unlabeled chemical bottle, chemical bottle was immediately dated. Corrected on site.
 
Grain Valley South Middle School
901 SW Ryan Rd.
Sandwich and yogurt cooler thermometer missing from the cooler. Corrected on site.
Quik Trip # 259
1110 N. Buckner Tarsney Rd.
Noticed soda spill on the floor by the bag in the boxes. Corrected on site.
Noticed a bucket of sanitizer in the kitchen area too low in chemicals. Corrected on site.
Noticed a box of plastic to go cups on the floor. Corrected on site.
 
Cheezteak Company
1452 SW. Eagles Parkway
The nozzles on the lobby soda machine had a buildup of dirty grime. Corrected on site.
The lid and outside of the 5 gallon bucket of sugar had a build up of dirt and dust. Correct by 4/5/21.
The cutting boards had stains and a large amount of deep cut marks. Correct by 4/5/21.
Failed to provide current food handler permits. Three employees. Correct by 3/6/21.
 
Sonic Drive In
706 N. Main St.
Noticed the scoop in the bin was bury by the breaded in the bin. Corrected on site.
Noticed the monitors over the ice cream topping had a soil build up. Correct by 2/5/21.
Handwashing sink in the area did not have trash cans. Correct by 2/5/21.
 
Taco Bell
1101 N Buckner Tarsney Rd.
Walk in cooler and freezer had cardboard debris. Correct by 4/6/21.
No paper towels at the handwashing sink. Corrected on site. Employee placed paper towels at the handwashing sink.
Vent hood over the steamer had black build up. Correct by 4/6/21.
 
El Maguey Mexican Restaurant
102 Buckner-Tarsney Rd.
A. Boxes of food were stored on the floor of the walk in cooler (REPEAT). B. Food container was missing its lid in the food storage area (REPEAT). Correct by 4/10/21.
Broken floor tiles along the wall, under the rice container in the food storage area. Correct by 4/10/21.
Failure to Secure Food Handler Permit. Correct by 3/11/21.
 
Temp-Stop #117
723 Main Street
Food was being labeled for discard at 10-14 days from the day is was thawed. CORRECTED. Manager immediately re-dated the food because it has been prepared less than 7 days before.
Wet wiping cloths were stored on the counters when not in use. Correct by 3/28/21.
 

Jackson County Health Department will offer the following COVID-19 testing locations next week (February 8- January 12):
 
Monday:  Lee’s Summit
This is a Drive-Thru
Lee’s Summit- 505 NW Blue parkway, Lee’s Summit 64063
Registration link: https://jacohd.jotform.com/210106123350132
 
Tuesday: Grandview
This is not a drive-thru clinic
Grandview- The View: Grandview- The View Community Center  13500 Byars Rd., Grandview MO 64030.
Registration link: https://jacohd.jotform.com/210105416754144
 
 
Wednesday: Blue Springs
This is not a drive thru clinic
Blue Springs- Vesper Hall 400 NW Vesper St. Blue Springs
Registration link: https://jacohd.jotform.com/210105362039140
 
Thursday: Lee’s Summit
This is a drive-thru
Lee’s Summit- 505 NW Blue Parkway, Lee’s Summit 64063
Registration link: https://jacohd.jotform.com/210105591012135
 
Friday: Independence
Not a drive-thru
Independence- Independence Uptown Farmers Market- 211 W Truman Rd., Independence MO 64050
Registration Link: https://jacohd.jotform.com/210105705139142
 

​     Jackson County issued a new health order on January 13th, amending dining restrictions for bars and restaurants.
     Under the new health order, Jackson County bars and restaurants will be allowed to serve food and alcohol until midnight with a hard exit for all patrons at 12:30am. All other provisions related to indoor dining remain in effect. 
     The new order takes effect at 12:01 am Thursday, January 14, 2021 and does not apply to businesses in the cities of Kansas City, Missouri or Independence.
     The new health order relaxes guidance from a previous order issued in November 2020 that required bars and restaurants to close at 10:00 p.m. due to a resurgence of COVID-19 cases in Jackson County.
“Let me be clear – our situation has not improved over the past two months. COVID-19 cases are up, our 14-day percent positive remains high as well as hospital capacity,” Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. said.
     “However, to remain consistent with neighboring jurisdictions, lessen confusion among residents and create fairness for Eastern Jackson County businesses, we have decided to move forward in this manner. It is still dangerous to gather in large groups, so I urge residents to remain vigilant in their efforts to prevent the spread of the virus.”
Residents and businesses with questions about the new health order should contact the Jackson County Health Department by phone at (816) 404-9883 or via email at  COVID19@tmcmed.org.
 

     The Jackson County Health Department (JACOHD) has received its first shipment of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccination clinics began January 6th.    
     JACOHD is following the state of Missouri’s COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan. The state is currently in Phase 1A of distribution, which focuses on long-term care facility residents and staff as well as patient-facing healthcare workers.
     This week’s appointments were made available to those who are in Phase 1A who filled out the department’s COVID-19 vaccine survey tool. These appointment slots have filled up, but more appointments for Phase 1A individuals will be available in the coming weeks.
     JACOHD encourages all individuals who live or work in Jackson County and are interested in receiving the vaccine to fill out the survey. As the vaccine becomes available to future phases, JACOHD will contact individuals who completed the survey with further instructions on scheduling an appointment. The survey may be accessed at buff.ly/34QRYBR .
     The survey asks for contact information, occupation, and pre-existing medical conditions. Responses from the survey will help JACOHD determine which phase of the state’s vaccination plan residents fall under. 
     “This is one way that we can get information out to individuals as quickly as possible,” Jackson County Health Department Director Bridgette Shaffer said. “We know people are looking for information, and we want to provide access to it whenever it becomes available.” 
     When weekly slots open up, appointments are first-come, first-served to each group. Appointments are filling up quickly, and it is recommended that people sign up as quickly as possible to secure their desired time.
     Per the guidance provided by the CDC, Pfizer COVID-19 vaccinations will not be provided to those under the age of 16.
For more information on the vaccine distribution plan, visit https://covidvaccine.mo.gov/.