COVID-19 Update related to Public Events

(Sedgwick County, Kan.) – In a response to growing public health concerns related to COVID-19, Sedgwick County officials on Friday announced an event cancellation and public event recommendations intended to reduce the spread of the illness.

The Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 11, which was scheduled for INTRUST Bank Arena on Saturday, has been postponed until June 20; and public gatherings larger than 250 attendees are prohibited in the Sedgwick County until further notice.

“The health and safety of our community is our top priority at Sedgwick County,” said Commission Chairman Pete Meitzner. “We are supportive of the recommendations of our local health experts and apologize for any inconvenience this may bring.”

Meitzner and Sedgwick County Health Department Director (SCHD) Adrienne Byrne were joined at the morning news conference by Dr. Garold Minns, the dean of the University of Kansas School of Medicine and SCHD’s health officer and medical director.

Minns, an infectious disease doctor and the County’s Local Health Officer, has the authority to prohibit public gatherings under state statute. He said the large events prohibition is a preventive measure designed to reduce the spread of the coronavirus illness.

County officials will assess the prohibition on an ongoing basis.

“Out of an abundance of caution, these cancellations and recommendations are necessary  to keep our community and especially our vulnerable population safe and healthy,” noted Dr. Minns. “As we continue to learn more about COVID-19, we will revisit these recommendations and adjust as necessary.”

Sedgwick County officials reminded the public that currently residents are at low risk for infection from the new coronavirus disease 2019, known as COVID-19, which was first identified in Wuhan, China. Currently, there are no confirmed cases in Sedgwick County. Similar to other coronaviruses, COVID-19 is likely to spread by droplets from an infected person’s nose or mouth through coughing and sneezing. Below is a list of ways you can help prevent illness:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water - use hand sanitizer if soap isn’t available
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
• Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs
• Stay home when you are sick

Please see the attached Factsheet regarding the COVID-19. The SCHD continually updates the Sedgwick County website and encourages residents to stay informed and look for new information at www.sedgwickcounty.org or https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html.

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