(KAIR)--Atchison County residents are being told to shelter at home.

The order will take effect at 12:01 Wednesday morning, March 25 and will remain in place for 30 days, ending April 25.
The order was implemented by Atchison County Health Officer Lori Forge.

According to a release issued late Tuesday morning, the shelter at home order is intended “to slow the rate of community spread of COVID-19.
There are no confirmed cases in Atchison County. 

The release states it’s estimated that that each positive patient could infect up to four other people; and “there is emerging evidence in neighboring counties, including Leavenworth County, of transmission by pre-symptomatic and asymptomatic people.”

Atchison County residents are directed to stay at home and leave their residence only to perform “Essential Activities,”which are activities essential to health and safety, such as acquiring medical supplies, seeing a healthcare provider, purchasing food and other necessary household items.

To view the full order, go here.