Jackson County announces relaxed restrictions under next phases of COVID-19 plan
Jackson County announced on Friday guidelines for phases two and three of its coronavirus reopening plan for areas of the county outside Kansas City.
The second phase takes effect on June 1 and could last 14 to 28 days, depending on the trendline in new COVID-19 cases.
Phase one began a week ago. Under phase two, graduations and other gatherings of up to 50 people will be allowed. The current limit is 10 for most events, and public graduation ceremonies were forbidden entirely.
Capacity limits for non-essential businesses, churches and other places of worship, as well as weddings and funerals, can be at half of a building’s lowest occupancy load, the county said.
Community centers, theaters, interior leisure venues, swimming pools and higher education campuses can reopen with certain limits. Same for organized sports and overnight summer camps.
Capacity limits that were set under phase one will double in many instances. For example, restaurants and bars will be allowed to be at 50 percent of their capacity.
But fairs, parades, festivals, playground equipment and elementary schools will remain off limits. All will be allowed to be held or reopened in a third phase, but with limits. that apply generally to most situations.
“All open facilities are required to complete, post and follow social distancing procedures,” the county said.
That means staying 6 feet apart and voluntarily wearing a mask in public. The county continues to recommend that people work at home, if possible, and that older people or people with health issues stay home.
For a detailed explanation of what is and isn’t allowed under the Jackson County Recovery Plan, go to www.jacksongov.org and www.jacohd.org.
