30 Apr Governor Kelly details Plan to Re-Open Kansas
This evening, Governor Laura Kelly issued executive guidance on her six-week plan to re-open the state of Kansas amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The plan begins with Monday’s expiration of her statewide stay-at-home order. The four-phase plan includes rapid, wide-scale testing capabilities to identify who has been infected before they unknowingly spread the disease. The state plans to recruit and train 400 new workers for a robust contact tracing program.
Each phase of the plan, outlined below, would last a minimum of 14 days but could be extended by the state if the virus unexpectedly spreads. The second phase would begin May 18 and the third on June 1. A more complete relaxation of the restrictions could take place June 15. Under a new executive order, counties would be allowed to impose more stringent limits but couldn’t adopt less aggressive controls.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this order, please do not hesitate to contact the association office by emailing Ron Seeber and/or Randy Stookey or calling 785-234-0461. A detailed explanation of each phase is below:
PHASE ONE
Throughout Phase One the Governor will continue evaluating the state’s progress and, if appropriate, issue a new executive order moving the statewide baseline to Phase Two. This will occur no sooner than May 4, 2020.
GATHERINGS
Mass gatherings of no more than 10 individuals allowed.
INDIVIDUALS
Masks are strongly encouraged in public settings. Maintain 6 foot social distance.
EMPLOYERS
Telework is strongly encouraged when possible. Any employee exhibiting symptoms should be required to stay home.
TRAVEL
Minimize or avoid nonessential travel. Follow KDHE travel and quarantine guidelines for travel to high-risk areas.
ACTIVITIES NOT ALLOWED TO OPEN
- Community centers
- Large entertainment venues with capacity of 2,000+ Fairs, festivals, parades, & graduations
- Public swimming pools
- Organized sports facilities
- Summer camps
ESTABLISHMENTS NOT ALLOWED TO OPEN
- Bars and nightclubs excluding already operating curbside and carryout services
- Casinos (non-tribal) Indoor leisure spaces
- Fitness centers and gyms Personal service businesses where close contact cannot be avoided
EDUCATION, ACTIVITIES, & VENUES ALLOWED TO OPERATE
- Childcare facilities
- Libraries
PHASE TWO
Throughout Phase Two the Governor will continue evaluating the state’s progress and, if appropriate, issue a new executive order moving the statewide baseline to Phase Three. This will occur no sooner than May 18, 2020.
GATHERINGS
Mass gatherings of no more than 30 individuals allowed.
INDIVIDUALS
Masks are strongly encouraged in public settings. Maintain 6 foot social distance.
EMPLOYERS
Telework is strongly encouraged when possible. Any employee exhibiting symptoms should be required to stay home.
TRAVEL
Minimize or avoid nonessential travel. Follow KDHE travel and quarantine guidelines for travel to high-risk areas.
ACTIVITIES NOT ALLOWED TO OPEN
- Large entertainment venues with capacity of 2,000+
- Fairs, festivals, parades, and graduations
- Summer camps
ESTABLISHMENTS NOT ALLOWED TO OPEN
- Bars and nightclubs at 50% total occupancy
- Casinos (non-tribal) if compliant with guidelines approved by the KDHE.
EDUCATION, ACTIVITIES, & VENUES ALLOWED TO OPERATE
- Childcare facilities
- Libraries
- Swimming pools Community centers Organized sports facilities and tournaments with some exceptions
PHASE THREE
Throughout Phase Three the Governor will continue evaluating the state’s progress and, if appropriate, issue a new executive order moving the statewide baseline to Phase Out. This will occur no sooner than June 1, 2020.
GATHERINGS
Mass gatherings of no more than 90 individuals allowed.
INDIVIDUALS
Adhere to personal hygiene guidelines. Remain home if you feel sick.
EMPLOYERS
On-site staffing is unrestricted
TRAVEL
Nonessential travel may resume.
BUSINESS AND ACTIVITY RESTRICTIONS
All education, activities, venues and establishments may operate pursuant to mass gathering guidelines.
PHASE FOUR
Once the state is in Phase Out, the Governor will issue additional guidelines to explain the health metrics that will trigger an elimination of all statewide restrictions. This will occur no sooner than June 15, 2020.
GATHERINGS
Maintain social distance where applicable.
INDIVIDUALS
Adhere to personal hygiene guidelines. Remain home if you feel sick.
EMPLOYERS
Follow any additional guidance for businesses and employees that is released.
TRAVEL
Unrestricted