Sedgwick County’s health officer has issued a new health order that puts a limit of 25 on mass gatherings.

Much of the previous health order remains unchanged.   Bars and restaurants are limited to occupancy of 100 people or 50 percent of the fire code capacity, whichever is less. People are still required to wear masks and follow social distancing, and businesses are responsible for making sure that customers comply with the requirements of the health order.    Restaurants may not have more than eight people seated together, and tables must be spaced six feet apart.

Restaurants can have in-person dining from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. and after that they can continue curbside, drive-through and delivery services, but not carry-out.   Bars and nightclubs have to close by 11 p.m. and remain closed until at least 5 a.m. or later according to state or local law.   They can provide curbside, drive-through and delivery services after 11 p.m. but they cannot provide carryout.

Retail stores are also limited to 50 percent of fire code capacity, with concerns about social distancing and holiday shopping.

Recreational and youth sports tournaments, games and practices can still take place, but they are limited to only two spectators per participant.  The restriction does not apply to college sporting events and high school sports governed by the Kansas State High School Athletics Association or local school boards.

The order also calls on employers to allow employees to work remotely as much as possible, and it calls on schools and colleges to use remote learning as much as possible.

The health order will be in effect from Friday, November 27th through Saturday, January 9th.

Wichita and Sedgwick County have also established enforcement protocols for the health order.  Violations will be prosecuted in county court and could have a fine of up to $500. The public can report violations through a web site:  www.sedgwickcounty.org/covid-19/violations.    People are urged NOT to call 911 to report violations.