BY SYDNEY HOOVER
Gov. Laura Kelly outlined her plans Thursday evening to reopen the state and phase out the stay-at-home order Kansans have been under for more than a month.
Beginning Monday, the state will lift the stay-at-home order and move into phase one of the governor’s reopening plan. This is by the discretion of local governments — areas such as Johnson County have already announced extensions of their own stay-at-home orders beyond Monday.
“Kansas will soon find itself on the downward side of the slope and closer than ever to flattening that elusive curve we’ve all been talking about for the past two months,” Kelly said.
During the first phase, gatherings are limited to 10 people or fewer, and many businesses are required to remain closed. This includes bars, casinos, gyms, hair salons and other businesses that cannot avoid close contact.
Community centers, public pools, organized sports facilities and large gatherings, such as graduations, are also prohibited. Child care services and public libraries can reopen.
During phase 2, which can begin no earlier than May 18, large gatherings and entertainment venues will continue to be prohibited, and gatherings will be limited to no more than 30. However, pools, community centers and sports facilities can open, while bars can operate at 50% capacity. Nonessential travel should continue to be avoided or minimized.
In phase three beginning June 1, most businesses will be able to reopen. Residents can reassume nonessential travel, but are encouraged to maintain personal hygiene and stay home if they are sick. Business establishments are still required to follow mass gathering limitations, which will increase to 90.
During phase 3, in-person visits to long-term care or correctional facilities may be gradually reinstated. Screening measures for all visitors can be continued. Those who must interact with residents must adhere to strict protocols regarding hygiene and screening.
Amid all of this, Kelly said Kansans should continue to maintain a 6-foot social distance and are encouraged to take precautions, such as wearing masks, when in public. Those who can should continue working from home. Additionally, local governments will continue having authority to impose restrictions.
As early as June 15, Kansas can begin phasing out restrictions such as over mass gatherings. Residents are encouraged to continue following social distancing guidelines “when applicable,” and businesses should follow any additional guidance that is released.
Kelly may release additional guidelines as the state progresses through each phase. She said she anticipates the plan will need to be restructured as more information becomes available.
“The framework is not etched in stone,” Kelly said. “Its fundamental purpose is to provide as much predictability as we can for both families and businesses, but Kansans must consider it a living document, subject to ongoing analysis and evaluation.”
Kelly said she anticipates the state will continue to need some social distancing guidelines until a vaccine is developed for the coronavirus.
Lawrence-Douglas County Health issued a statement Thursday saying local leaders are examining the details of Kelly’s plan. They will make announcements on any additional local health orders by noon Sunday.
Douglas County Health Officer Dr. Thomas Marcellino said counties can issue more restrictive orders if believed necessary.
“We will clearly define that before Monday for business owners and the public,” he said in a statement. “Like the governor’s plan outlines, our timeline for advancing in phases is dependent on Douglas County residents cooperating with restrictions that are still in place and practicing good social-distancing measures.”
Through Thursday, 50 Douglas County residents have tested positive for COVID-19 since its first lab-confirmed case on March 16. Of those, 39 have recovered.
If any local health orders are issued by noon Sunday, they will be posted at ldchealth.org/coronavirus.
Further information about Kelly’s plan to reopen the state can be found at https://covid.ks.gov/ad-astra-a-plan-to-reopen-kansas/.
Reach reporter Sydney Hoover at eudoratimes@gmail.com.
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