Sedgwick County commissioners have approved changes in health recommendations for the COVID-19 pandemic.

Under new wording in a county resolution, the county is strongly encouraging people to get the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as they are eligible, and businesses are encouraged to use their best judgment on requiring masks and social distancing.   This is part of a resolution that was approved in March, and it will expire on June 22nd.

Commissioner Jim Howell wanted to rescind the recommendations, saying that COVID-19 cases have declined and the resolution is no longer necessary.   He said “We just need to trust people.  Let’s educate them, make sure we continue to provide testing and access to the vaccine.”

The county’s local health officer, Dr. Garold Minns, said at least 50 percent or greater of county residents are still not immune to the virus.   He said the county is still having 200 to 300 known cases each week, and there are still patients in intensive care, and there are still patients dying, although numbers are lower than late last year.   He said masks and social distancing are still the main tools to keep the virus under control   Dr. Minns also pointed out that the new recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control are for people who have been vaccinated, and not for the unvaccinated population.   He said he is afraid the tendency to take away mask recommendations will lead to more cases.   He said the county still has more work to do in getting vaccination numbers higher.

Commission chairman Pete Meitzner said if the county did not put in writing that vaccinations were encouraged, “there could be an assumption that the Sedgwick County Board of Health thinks this is all over with, and I don’t feel that way. ”    He said the commission still has a responsibility as the Board of Health in the community.

Commissioners voted 4 to 1 for the changes, with Howell voting no.