(KLZA)--The Board of Health of the City of Falls City has approved a resolution to prohibit gatherings of more than 10 people in a single room or single space at the same time in non-essential businesses.

The action was taken in order to safeguard the health of people of the City of Falls City and remains in effect until Wednesday, April 15 at 11:59 P.M. unless repealed or extended by the City Health Board. 

Based on available data and estimates, the spread of the COVID-19 virus within the City of Falls City could quickly overwhelm the local healthcare system and endanger the lives of the residents and patrons of the City of Falls City. 

The limit of 10 persons excludes staff of the business.  

Included in the resolution, but not limited to are schools, daycare facilities including in-home facilities, gymnasiums, salons, fitness centers, auditoriums, stadiums, large event  conference rooms,  meeting halls, theaters, libraries and any other confined indoor or outdoor space.  This also includes weddings and funerals as well as parades, fairs, festivals, concerts and other indoor and outdoor events.  

A gathering does not include normal operations at airports, health care facilities shopping malls and centers or other spaces where 10 or more patrons may be in transit.  It also does not include typical office environments, factories  or retail or grocery stores.  It does not include events at which members of the media may need to be present or family residences housing ten or more people. 

All employers, retail outlets, healthcare providers including clinics, hospitals, nursing homes and assisted living facilities, daycare providers and all other businesses within the City are encouraged to use social distancing as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control.

The orders was signed by Board of Health Chairman, Mayor Shawna Bindle and Falls City Police Chief Duane  Armbruster  who is Secretary of the Health Board and Quarantine Officer.