Douglas County to close bars ahead of 4th of July weekend as new COVID-19 cases rise

All bars and nightclubs in Douglas County will close for two weeks starting Friday to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, the county announced Wednesday ahead of Fourth of July weekend.

The announcement comes after a recent surge in cases in the area, according to a press release from Lawrence-Douglas County Health. Between March 17 and July 1, the county has had 190 confirmed cases, but 66 of the new cases came after June 26.

Douglas County’s Local Health Officer Thomas Marcellino said an uptick in cases in the area has been linked to bars reopening.

A coronavirus outbreak was recently reported at the Jayhawk Cafe in Lawrence, a popular college bar.

“We have seen a rise of cases among younger adults, and these cases are now being linked to higher-risk older adults in our community. We have to slow down the spread of the coronavirus in Douglas County to prevent a surge of cases,” Marcellino said in the press release. “It is our hope that taking these measures now will allow us to slow the spread and put us into a stronger position as we approach the school season.”

The county also issued an order Wednesday mandating masks be worn in all spaces that don’t allow for six-foot social distancing measures. It was followed by a state-wide order that goes into effect Friday. Nightclubs and bars can continue to operate curbside and carryout services under the order.

This story was originally published July 1, 2020 at 5:12 PM.