Lyon County commissioners were originally expecting budget matters to lead their study session Wednesday, but Tuesday’s action by Governor Laura Kelly changed that up.
After the governor said the state’s mandatory, phased approach reopening Kansas to normal operations was now an advisory document, commissioners discussed — and later signed — Lyon County Health Officer Renee Hively’s recommendation to maintain the Ad Astra modified Phase 2 restrictions in place until June 8. This would mean mass gatherings at 15 people or less, the reopening of restaurants, arcades, movie theaters, museums and bowling alleys and the return of organized sports tournaments under social distancing guidelines — and bars staying closed.
Hively says this serves as a bridge to upcoming action.
Commission Chair Rollie Martin agrees. He says this sets up a good time to develop the county’s path forward.
Lyon County Legal Counsel Marc Goodman says enforcement will be a major concern for the county, especially with potential constitutional issues addressed a few weeks ago by Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt.
The original plan had a decision during the County Commission action meeting Thursday.
Two area counties have already announced their plans. During a special meeting Tuesday, Greenwood County decided to keep the state’s modified Phase 2 restrictions until June 8. The tentative plan is to fully reopen the county at that time unless there is a COVID-19 outbreak. The announcement came before Wednesday’s announcement of the county’s fourth case, a girl between the ages of 10 and 20, and a fifth case, a man between ages 70 and 80.
Morris County, meanwhile, will stay in Phase 2 until the county’s Health Department announces further changes.
Chase, Coffey, Osage and Wabaunsee counties have not announced their plans.
