RICHMOND – Health department leaders in Ray and Clay counties joined others in the metro area to ask the public to help prevent COVID-19’s spread. “Our community is at a critical point again with uncontrolled community spread,” they stated jointly. “Our local governments and public health authorities need to take actions aimed at controlling the further spread of the disease.” They ask metro-area residents consider doing the following... Avoid in-person contact: Those who can should work from home, conduct business virtually and provide curbside service to keep customers outside. Home is the safest place. Wear masks: Trusting friends is not the issue. Precautions are a matter of kindness and a safety issue. Avoid gatherings: “To help our residents stay connected while limiting the threat of large outbreaks, we ask everyone to identify a small group of under 10 people that you come in regular contact with. That could be your family or perhaps another household or two that you…