Commissioners Vote to Enforce Latest Minns Order

(Sedgwick County, Kan.) –  Due to the continued rise in COVID-19 cases and hospitals getting overwhelmed with COVID, Sedgwick County’s Local Health Officer Garold Minns issued a new, more restrictive Local Health Order to reduce the spread in the community.

 This order will be in effect from 12:01 a.m., Wednesday, November 11 to 11:59 p.m., Thursday, December 31.

 Commissioners voted to adopt an enforcement mechanism which allows city police departments and city officials to partner with Sedgwick County to require businesses to follow the order. Enforcement in unincorporated Sedgwick County will begin Wednesday, November 18, after it is published in the County’s paper of record (Derby Informer). If the order is enforced in local cities, it will need to be approved by city officials and also posted in the paper. 

 Mass gatherings will now be capped at 100 people or 50 percent of the fire code capacity, whichever is less, but individuals must be able to maintain the six-foot social distance requirement. Mass gatherings apply to restaurants, bars and night clubs, and fitness and health centers due to not wearing masks during those activities, close proximity of residents, and residents at these locations for a longer period of time.

 Bars, night clubs, and other businesses licensed to sell alcohol for on-premises consumption can stay open until 11 p.m. These establishments are able to operate at with 100 patrons or 50 percent of the fire code capacity, whichever is less. These businesses may continue carryout and curbside services past midnight. Restaurants may seat parties of no more than eight people.

 Retail stores are not considered mass gatherings however these entities are limited to 50 percent of fire code capacity based on concerns about social distancing and holiday shopping.

 Large venues (2,000 plus people) where 50 percent of the fire code capacity is still a large number and social distancing is possible must have approval from Dr. Minns to host events.

Religious institutions, election polling places, licensed child care facilities, schools and their activities, and courts are exempt from this order.

 As a reminder, our community toolbox consists of mask wearing, social distancing, and good hand hygiene, as the best ways for the community to continue to slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect one another.

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View the full meeting here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QlbhH2-QCCk