BY NICOLE ASBURY
Douglas County health officials will allow gatherings for up to 25 people and expand hours for businesses serving alcohol in a new health order that goes into effect at 12:01 a.m. Friday.
COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations decreased in the county, thereby allowing the relaxation of guidelines, according to a news release from Lawrence-Douglas County Health Wednesday afternoon.
Under the new order, restaurants and other establishments that serve food and drinks must close their premises no later than midnight. It also allows carryout, curbside, drive-thru and off-premise delivery for food after midnight, but not for alcohol.
It also allows entertainment venues, recreational facilities, restaurants, bars and other businesses serving food and drinks indoors to have 50% of their building’s occupancy.
Previously, the county prohibited gatherings that exceeded 10 people. It also required businesses to close their premises at 10 p.m.
Also Wednesday, an additional 2,094 people were scheduled to receive their COVID-19 vaccine at the Douglas County Fairgrounds clinic, as a part of Phase 2 of Kansas’ vaccine distribution plan. Two Phase 2 clinics will take place next week.
Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health Director Dan Partridge encouraged people to continue washing their hands, wearing masks and social distancing as the health department continues to distribute COVID-19 vaccines.
“We are not out of the clear yet, but we are making strides in the right direction,” Partridge said in a statement.
People older than 5 are still required to wear a mask in indoor public spaces and outdoor spaces when they’re not 6 feet apart, unless they’re eating, drinking, swimming or have a medical condition that prevents it.
“As our community continues to vaccinate more and more residents, I believe we are finally beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel when it comes to this pandemic,” said Dr. Thomas Marcellino, local public health officer, in a statement. “However, we cannot let our guard down.”
Reach reporter Nicole Asbury at eudoratimes@gmail.com.
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