Sedgwick County is banning public gatherings of more than 250 people.
The county announced the decision Friday, as part of the response to fight the spread of the new coronavirus. Officials say no Sedgwick County residents have tested positive for COVID-19, but that is expected to change. The patient being treated at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita is from Butler County.
This ban includes the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and church services. Congregations will have to be divided up if there will be more than 250.
A decision regarding schools has not been made at this time, but more discussions are planned in the next week.
This ban does not impact places like businesses and grocery stores.
The decision was announced at a courthouse press conference with county health director Adrienne Byrne, county health officer Dr. Garold Minns, and county commission chairman Pete Meitzner. Dr. Minns said state statute gives the county’s local health officer the authority to prohibit public gatherings when there is a broad public health concern. He said out of an abundance of caution, the ban on large events is necessary to reduce the spread of the coronavirus.
