Sedgwick County commissioners have issued a local state of emergency due to the coronavirus, and the county is banning all public gatherings of more than 50 people.

The county’s public health officer, Dr. Garold Minns, said the recommendation is in line with the latest guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control.   Dr. Minns said there are currently no confirmed cases of COVID-19 with Sedgwick County residents, and the county remains at low risk for the virus.   He said the guidelines are aimed at keeping the county at low risk.

County commission chair Pete Meitzner said bars and restaurants should still be able to handle up to 50 people.   He said the declaration will allow the county to respond to the coronavirus pandemic and request additional resources.   The county’s local emergency operations plan has also been activated to allow for cooperation between public safety organizations, local health officials and other community agencies.