A Statement from Jason Tiller, Saline County Health Officer

As your elected representatives and professional staff, we have tried to protect our local community by providing the best information on how to stop the spread of COVID-19. Unfortunately, in some cases, these protections have had to take the form of mandates, limitations, closures and quarantines. These measures have, understandably, been unpopular. While for the most part, our community has pulled together to do the difficult right thing, we have also seen deep division, animosity, and tragically even threats. At this point, we believe that further restrictions would have more negative consequences than positive ones.

As the Saline County public health officer, I have no intention of recommending a government-ordered mask mandate, mass gathering restriction, or other mandatory COVID-related protocols. While some communities around the country and in our state are heading down these paths, I will not do so unless I am utterly convinced that we have no other choice to protect public health and safety.

Fortunately, right now I believe we do have a choice: the individual choice to protect ourselves, our families, and our neighbors. Let me be frank, this means that the responsibility to end this pandemic falls to you - the citizens and businesses in our community. Meaningful change will come only from personal and corporate responsibility.

We will continue to encourage COVID prevention protocols and wholeheartedly support entities and individuals who follow them.