Over some officials’ objections, Johnson County extends COVID-19 shutdown till May 11
Over objections of some elected officials, Johnson County Public Health Officer Joseph LeMaster on Thursday extended the local stay-at-home order through May 10, a week longer than earlier planned.
On May 11, businesses can begin to slowly reopen.
Wyandotte County announced similar measures on Thursday as well.
Earlier this week, LeMaster had recommended that May 11 date to Johnson County commissioners, who are preparing to vote Friday on a four-phase reopening plan.
Johnson County has been abiding by Kansas’ statewide stay-at-home order, which expires at the end of the day Sunday. Gov. Laura Kelly revealed her plan to reopen the state Thursday evening. Under the order, some businesses can begin reopening with social distancing guidelines next week.
That was too soon for LeMaster, who as Johnson County’s public health officer has the authority to issue a shutdown during a health crisis without approval from commissioners.
LeMaster said Johnson County is seeing a decline in new coronavirus cases and hospitalizations — a benchmark that leaders have said the county must meet before reopening the economy.
But worried about a spike in cases once residents go back to commuting, working and shopping across the metro area, LeMaster emphasized the need to work in coordination with Kansas City and Jackson County. They both extended their orders until May 15, with some notable exceptions announced for Kansas City.
“We are under the understanding based on communication with Gov. Laura Kelly that she will not be extending her own order,” LeMaster said. “We are recommending this to promote regional coordination with other neighboring jurisdictions and to minimize the potential spread of COVID-19 in Johnson County from neighboring areas that are experiencing outbreaks.”
Through May 10, social distancing requirements and other restrictions remain in place, and gatherings of more than 10 people will still be prohibited.
Jackson County’s stay-at-home order remains in effect until May 15, but county officials have been in discussions with Johnson and Wyandotte counties about possibly coordinating their reopening dates.
Caleb Clifford, chief of staff to County Executive Frank White, said Thursday morning those discussions continue.
“We are working with officials in both Johnson County and Wyandotte County regarding our respective re-opening plans,” he said in a text message to The Star.
“We understand that varying dates and policies, while sometimes unavoidable, can cause confusion and negatively impact the voluntary compliance of these very important orders by residents in our communities. We are interested in aligning our orders to the maximum extent possible and will continue to work with all officials in the metro on these efforts, but we have nothing to announce at this time.”
Wyandotte County health officer Allen Griener announced on Thursday that it would institute a stay-at-home order lasting until the end of May 10, which then leads to a phased reopening if testing and health metrics allow.
LeMaster’s decision to extend the order frustrated some members of the Johnson County Board of Commissioners, who have been pushing for businesses to reopen as soon as possible.
“The economic damage that’s occurring right now cannot be discounted,” Commissioner Mike Brown said. “Economics should not be the sole decider, but it should be factored into the equation in our decision. I think we’re missing a massive key piece of information.”
“I’m having difficulty that we can’t follow the governor’s change here if she’s going to open (the economy) up in the first part of May,” Commissioner Steve Klika said. “By starting sooner, we could at least get small businesses started and ramped up. So I’m expressing the same concern that Commissioner Brown has. I just wish we could get these small businesses started.”
On Friday, commissioners will consider a four-phase strategy for reopening the economy, which could change where it contradicts the governor’s plan for the state. A task force has crafted guidelines, which include reopening nearly all commercial and retail businesses with social distancing restrictions. Gatherings of more than 10 people would still be prohibited. Restaurants and bars could operate dining rooms at half-capacity.
In the following weeks or months, restrictions would slowly be lifted until all businesses and gatherings are permitted.
County Chairman Ed Eilert pointed out that the plan states the first phase of reopening will not begin until health officials “confirm that we have truly succeeded in our measures to flatten the curve.”
Other commissioners, such as Janeé Hanzlick and Jim Allen, said that guidance from the public health department needs to be taken seriously, especially considering the risk of another outbreak once businesses reopen.
“I, like everyone else, want to see the economy back up and moving. No one is doing this because they enjoy this,” Hanzlick said. “I see that our primary concern and primary responsibility is public health, and we need to follow the guidance and direction of our public health experts.”
LeMaster said he is not discrediting the economic toll of the shutdown, but is extending the order for another week to help prevent further spread of the virus in Johnson County. He has warned that if cases begin to spike after businesses reopen, it is likely restrictions will be reimposed.
“I recognize for Johnson County to thrive the economy must begin to recover as soon as possible,” LeMaster said. “We must have courage, at this time perhaps more than ever, to continue to do what’s best for the survival of our neighbor. We must seek common ground for the common good.”
Despite the coordinating efforts among Johnson, Jackson and Wyandotte counties, the metro area’s reopening will be a patchwork.
Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas on Wednesday announced new restrictions on businesses as they reopen May 15. But he also said that some businesses, including small retailers and those that don’t draw the general public, can reopen May 6.
Clay, Platte and Cass counties are all planning to reopen May 4, following guidance from Missouri Gov. Mike Parson. All the jurisdictions have varying restrictions on occupancy, masks and social distancing.
This story was originally published April 30, 2020 at 1:04 PM.
