(Sedgwick County, KS) – Following a discussion about reopening Sedgwick County, Commissioners voted not to impose additional limits, based on current conditions and recommend that Sedgwick County residents and businesses continue to adhere to the phases and guidance in the state’s Ad Astra plan, with the modification that it further defines public gatherings as persons commonly known to one another and allow gatherings of up to 20 individuals rather than 15.
“As we heard from Dr. Minns, a majority of our residents are following prevention measures including practicing social distancing,” said Commission Chairman Pete Meitzner. “The vote we took today is a step forward to opening our businesses and organizations while still protecting the health of our community.”
During the special meeting, Dr. Garold Minns, the County’s Local Health Officer, noted that a majority of residents have followed prevention measures including social distancing which is a partial reason for low COVID-19 case counts in Sedgwick County.
This action was taken as a response to Kansas Governor Laura Kelly’s veto of House Bill 2054 that would have weakened the executive branch’s emergency power during the COVID-19 pandemic. The State has been in Phase 2 of the plan since Friday, May 22.
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About Sedgwick County
The mission of Sedgwick County is to cultivate a healthy, safe, and welcoming community through exceptional public services, effective partnerships, and dedicated employees. Named for Civil War hero, Major General John Sedgwick of the Union Army, Sedgwick County celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2020. The 2020 Adopted Budget of $457.4 million focuses resources on health and human services, public safety, and general government services.