LARNED — Larned Mayor William Nusser on Thursday issued the following plea to residents to “Keep Our Community Open.”

Larned is a community that needs to be kept open. Our businesses are important to our economy and livelihood of families within our community. In-person school is crucial to the education and well-being for current and future generations. These things being kept open are at risk if we cannot slow the community transmission of COVID-19. Countries around the world and fellow communities across our nation are being locked down similar to what we saw in the earlier part of the year due to the increasing community transmission of COVID-19.

Call to Action

I do not believe that we need government mandates, or a community shut down of businesses/schools because I believe in the people in this community. As local positivity rates are increasing, and ICU bed availability is diminishing, the time is now to do your part.

White House Recommendations for Basic Community Actions

• Do not gather without a mask with individuals living outside of your household.

• Always wear a mask in public places and socially distance when possible.

• Stop gatherings beyond immediate household until cases and test positivity are in the yellow zone.

• Get your flu shots.