Governor Laura Kelly has added a new phase to her Ad Astra state reopening plan.
Thursday, the governor signed executive order 20-32 establishing phase 1.5 of the plan set to go into effect Monday. The new phase will continue the state’s reopening efforts with “data-driven restrictions” in place to continue limiting the spread of COVID-19.
While COVID related hospitalizations and deaths continue to decrease across the state, Governor Kelly says via a news release, “the daily rate of disease spread has not shown the downward trajectory necessary to move fully into Phase 2. I said from the beginning that public safety must remain the top priority, which means that our reopening efforts must be driven by data, not dates. Phase 1.5 will continue our transition, but with necessary caution.”
Phase 1.5 will continue to prohibit mass gatherings of 10 people or more, however, it will allow certain businesses to begin reopening such as hair and nail salons, tattoo parlors, tanning salons and barber shops for pre-scheduled appointments or online check-in only. Additionally, Fitness centers and health clubs may re-open, however, in person group classes may not occur and locker rooms must be closed except as necessary to use restroom facilities. In-person graduation ceremonies will also be permitted with no more than 10 people inside a room so long as proper social distancing requirements are followed.
While the new phase is taking large steps back to a sense of normality there are still a number of businesses and events which are to remain closed for the time being unless they have been repurposed for use in an essential function. This includes Bars and night clubs, excluding already operating curbside and carryout services;
non-tribal casinos, theaters, museums, and other indoor leisure spaces, community centers, outdoor and indoor large entertainment venues, fairs, festivals, carnivals, parades, community swimming pools, organized sports facilities, tournaments, games, practices and summer camps.
Throughout the phase’s duration, the governor will continue to assess the state’s COVID-19 trends to help determine when and if the state will proceed to the next phase of the Ad Astra plan. Implementation of phase 1.5 in Lyon County is dependent on the approval of local health officials.
