Bars and nightclubs in Wyandotte County allowed to reopen, with some restrictions
Bars and nightclubs in Wyandotte County are permitted to reopen Friday afternoon under specific conditions, such as limiting the number of patrons allowed inside while following social distancing guidelines, county officials announced.
The businesses will be allowed to open Friday as part of the statewide reopening plan. Only 15 or fewer patrons are allowed inside with six feet of social distancing between individuals, couples and persons who live together.
Prior to Friday, bars and nightclubs that did not provide curbside and carryout services were ordered closed in an effort to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
County health officials said some restrictions will remain in effect during this phrase of the reopening plan. Outside seating is encouraged, provided there is at least six feet between individuals, couples or families. Servers, bartenders and other staff are required to wear masks at all times and must thoroughly wash their hands, even if they are wearing protective gloves when interacting with patrons.
“We believe staying in Phrase 2 is still the best approach at this time to cautiously start reopening while protecting Wyandotte County residents and workers,” Erin Corriveau, the county’s deputy medical officer, said in a news release.
“It has become clear, however, that this was placing undue restrictions in neighboring communities. So long as they implement appropriate safety measures such as social distancing, bars and nightclubs do not inherently pose greater risks than other types of businesses that have already been able to reopen,” Corriveau said.
Other conditions remain. Sufficient hand sanitizer must be available throughout the business, and staff must proper disinfectant to clean high-touch surfaces such as door handles, bar tops and tables.
On Monday, publicly-owned park playgrounds in Kansas City, Kansas reopened.
Earlier this week, Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly said the state would no longer follow her gradual, statewide plan for opening businesses, which was aimed at controlling the spread of the virus, and instead leave those decisions up to individual counties.
As of Thursday, Wyandotte County health officials reported 1,315 cases and 72 deaths. Thirty-six of those deaths and 132 cases were associated with an outbreak at the Riverbend Post-Acute Rehabilitation Facility. Wyandotte County has been hit the hardest by the spread of the virus.
The order in Wyandotte County took effect at noon on Friday. However, health officials said the order was subject to change or modification.
“While it’s exciting to see more and more of our community’s businesses reopening in a sensible, step-by-step manner, it’s also important to remember that COVID-19 remains a serious threat in Wyandotte County,” Corriveau said.
Aside from bars and nightclubs being allowed to re-open, the rest of the county’s second phrase restriction plan that began on May 22, remains in effect, health officials said.
