BY NICOLE ASBURY
Restaurants are no longer restricted on what hours they can be open and more people will now be allowed in mass gatherings as coronavirus cases in the county continue to decline.
The updated Douglas County health order will take effect just after midnight Wednesday. On Tuesday, health officials reported the number of active COVID-19 cases in the county had dropped to 263.
“As we have seen over the past month, newly reported cases and active case numbers continue to decline in Douglas County,” said Dan Partridge, Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health director.
There are now 50 people maximum allowed to be a part of a mass gathering. Previously, gatherings beyond 25 people were banned.
Partridge encouraged people to continue wearing masks and social distancing as county health authorities administer the COVID-19 vaccine. Two more vaccine clinics are being offered this week on Wednesday and Friday.
The updated health order still requires establishments to have only 50% of its occupancy indoors. It also requires masks in public spaces for people older than 5 years old, except when eating, drinking or swimming or if they have a medical condition that prevents it.
Roughly 21,700 people in Douglas County have received the first dose of the vaccine, according to data provided by the county Friday.
Individuals who have questions about the coronavirus in Douglas County can also call the Douglas County COVID-19 helpline at 785-864-9000.
Reach reporter Nicole Asbury at eudoratimes@gmail.com.
To donate to support our community journalism, please go to this link: tinyurl.com/y4u7stxj