Sedgwick County’s local health officer has signed a new emergency public health order that goes into effect Tuesday, September 15th.
Dr. Garold Minns has removed language stating that the order was voluntary, so citizens and organizations in the county must comply with the order. It requires face masks in public places, and there are exemptions for people who cannot wear masks because of health issues. No other changes were made in the order.
The order also requires bars, nightclubs and restaurants to close at 11 p.m. but they can continue to provide pickup and takeout service after that time. They also must limit their occupancy to 50 percent of fire code capacity. There were reports over the weekend that some bars were open past the 11 p.m. restriction.
Indoor and outdoor entertainment venues are limited to 2,000 people, and mass gatherings are limited to groups of 15 people that must be at least six feet apart.
Dr. Minns will continue to review COVID-19 trends in the community and he will consider lifting restrictions as the numbers move down.
Sedgwick County was reporting a total of 7,664 cases of coronavirus as of Monday, an increase of 41 cases. The death count remains at 68. More than 90,000 people have been tested in the county.
