Public Gatherings and Religious Services

(Sedgwick County, KS) – Sedgwick County residents are currently under the Local Health Officer Order ban of 10 or more people with regard to certain public gatherings which began March 25. This order specifically limits certain public gatherings to groups of 10 or fewer people. This order is in place until April 23.

Sedgwick County strongly encourages all County residents who participate in religious services or activities to comply voluntarily with the order issued by Dr. Minns which began on March 25, and refrain from gatherings in excess of 10 people. The County is cognizant of the rights of our citizens under the First Amendment and is closely monitoring how the Supreme Court of Kansas addresses this issue in the coming days. Additionally, Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt, likewise is asking Kansans to voluntarily adhere to restrictions on mass gatherings, sent a memorandum to law enforcement officers discouraging enforcement of Governor Kelly’s Executive Order 20-18 and the restrictions relating to church gatherings. Sedgwick County respects the First Amendment to the Constitution, including the right to practice religious freedom. We are hopeful that our citizens and religious services proceed in accordance with the restrictions in the Local Health Officer Order.

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