Gov. Laura Kelly has announced that she will allow many Kansas businesses to reopen next week if they can maintain social distancing. She also said Thursday that she hopes to lift all state limits on mass gatherings and other restrictions by June 15.
Kelly is lifting a statewide stay-at-home order Monday. But her plan won’t allow bars, gyms, theaters, barbershops, hair and nail salons or state-owned casinos to reopen until at least May 18 and local officials will be allowed to impose stricter rules.
Governor Kelly broke down her timeline in three phases and a phase out stage:
During Phase One, Governor Kelly said she 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.
Throughout Phase Two, Governor Kelly said she 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.
For Phase Three, Governor Kelly said she 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.
After Phase Three, once the state is in Phase Out mode, Governor Kelly said she will issueadditional guidelines to explain the health metrics that will trigger the elimination of all statewide restrictions. This will occur no sooner than June 15, 2020.
During Phase One, activities that will not be allowed include community centers, large entertainment venues with a capacity of 2,000-plus, fairs, festivals, parades, graduations, public swimming pools, organized sports facilities, and summer camps. Establishments that will not be allowed to open include bars and nightclubs excluding already operating curbside and carryout services, non-tribal casinos, indoor leisure spaces, fitness centers, gyms, and personal service businesses where close contact cannot be avoided. As for travel, minimizing or avoiding nonessential travel and following KDHE travel and quarantine guidelines for travel to high-riskareas.
During Phase Two, activities that will not be allowed include large entertainment venues with a capacity of 2,000-plus, fairs, festivals, parades, graduations, and summer camps. Establishments that will be allowed to open include bars and nightclubs at 50% total occupancy, and non-tribal casinos if compliant with guidelines approved by the KDHE. Travel restriction include minimizing or avoiding nonessential travel and following KDHE travel and quarantine guidelines for travel to high-risk areas.
During Phase Three, mass gatherings of no more than 90 people will be allowed. For employers, on-site staffing is unrestricted. Individuals have to adhere to personal hygiene guidelines and remain home if they feel sick. As for travel, nonessential travel can resume during this phase.
The final Phase Out period includes maintaining social distance where applicable, adhering to personal hygiene guidelines and to remain home if sick. Employers will have to follow any additional guidance for businesses and employees that are released at the time.