Phase two begins no earlier than May18, 2020, as directed by Executive Order 20-29
Mass gatherings of more than 30 individuals are prohibited. Mass gatherings are defined as instances in which individuals are in one location and unable to maintain 6 feet of distance between individuals (not including individuals who reside together) with only infrequent or incidental moments of closer proximity. Businesses or functions that are already in operation pursuant to KEFF may continue to function while, if possible, avoiding gatherings of more than 30 individuals where social distancing measures are difficult to maintain. Local governments retain authority to impose equal or more stringent restrictions during this phase is permitted to do so, except with regards to essential functions in KEFF. Any federal restrictions imposed and still in effect must be followed
Guidance for individuals during this phase
Masks: Individuals are encouraged to wear cloth masks in public settings as appropriate.
Outdoor Activities: When in public (e.g., parks, outdoor recreation areas, shopping areas), individuals (not including individuals who reside together) should maintain 6 feet of distance from others with only infrequent or incidental moments of closer proximity.
Social Gatherings: Avoid socializing in person with groups of more than 30 individuals in both indoor and outdoor settings, especially in circumstances that do not allow for a physical distance of 6 feet or more between individuals or groups with only infrequent or incidental moments of closer proximity. (e.g., receptions, trade shows).
High-Risk Individuals: High-risk individuals are advised to continue to stay home except for essential needs.
Travel: Minimize nonessential travel and follow KDHE travel and quarantine guidelines for travel to high-risk areas. Essential travel includes travel for urgent and necessary family, medical, and business related needs as determined by the individual or business
Guidance for employers during Phase One
Telework: Strongly encouraged for all employees when possible.
On-site Operations: Avoid large gatherings of employees in groups of more than 30 where social distancing protocols cannot be maintained except for infrequent or incidental moments of closer proximity and continue to phase in employees on-site as possible while maintaining 6 feet of distance between employee workstations.
Potentially Sick Employees: Any employees exhibiting symptoms should be required to stay at home and asked to call their health care provider.
Business Travel: Minimize nonessential travel and follow KDHE travel and quarantine guidelines for travel to high-risk areas. Essential travel includes travel for urgent and necessary family, medical, and business related needs as determined by the individual or business.
Visits to Long-term Care Facilities or Correctional Facilities: In-person visits to these facilities should be prohibited. Those who must interact with residents must adhere to strict protocols regarding hygiene.
All businesses otherwise specified MAY OPEN IF: They can maintain at least 6 feet of distance between consumers (individuals or groups). Restaurants or dining establishments may meet this requirement by using physical barriers sufficient to prevent virus spread between seated customers or groups of seated customers and fundamental cleaning and public health practices are followed.
Businesses should follow industry specific guidelines as provided on covid.ks.gov.
Compliance with any additional best practices guidance from each business sector is strongly encouraged and businesses must avoid any instances in which groups of more than 30 individuals are in one location and are unable to maintain 6 feet of distance with only infrequent or incidental moments of closer proximity. This does not limit the total occupancy of a facility, but requires that facilities limit mass gatherings in areas and instances in which physical distancing cannot be maintained, such as in tables, entrances, lobbies, break rooms, checkout areas, etc.
The following businesses MAY OPEN IF they comply with the requirements in the paragraphs above and ONLY to the extent described below:
Bars and nightclubs may open at 50% total occupancy and can otherwise continue operating curbside and carryout services.
Casinos (non-tribal), but only if they comply with uniform guidelines approved by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.
K-12 facilities remain subject to the provisions EO 20-07 regarding school closures, except that up to 30 students, instructors, or staff may be present for normal operations. K-12 facilities should continue to follow the guidelines of the Continuous Learning Plan developed by the Kansas State Department of Education.
Districts with facilities in more than one county or city should follow any applicable directives issued by the county or city in which their district office is located.
Higher education facilities that are closed before May 4 should remain closed for in person learning or events involving groups of more than 30 individuals present at a time. Licensed childcare facilities may reopen or continue operations pursuant to state and local regulations. All activities and venues not prohibited MAY OPEN IF:
They can maintain at least 6 feet of distance between individuals or groups and fundamental cleaning and public health practices are followed. Compliance with any additional sector specific best practices guidance is strongly encouraged and avoid any instances in which more than 30 individuals are in one location and are unable to maintain 6 feet of distance with only infrequent or incidental moments of closer proximity.
This does not limit the total occupancy of a facility, but requires that facilities limit mass gatherings in areas and instances in which physical distancing cannot be maintained, such as in entrances, lobbies, locker rooms, etc.
The following activities and venues MAY OPEN IF they comply with the requirements to the above and ONLY to the extent described below:
Organized sports facilities and tournaments, except that concessions must not include self-service food or beverages
The following activities and venues DO NOT OPEN in this phase:
- Outdoor and indoor large entertainment venues with capacity of 2,000 or more
- Fairs, festivals, carnivals, parades, and graduations
- Summer camps
Local governments retain authority to impose equal or more stringent restrictions on businesses during this phase, except as to essential functions in KEFF.
NEWS
SPECIAL: Arrest made in Pleasanton following police response
Following a multi-officer response to a residence in Pleasanton on Friday evening, Sept. 11, a man was arrested in connection with the following charges: Aggravated assault; Use of a deadly weapon - 2 counts Criminal discharge of firearm; Recklessly at occupied dwelling The... [More]
LCNews survey
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SPECIAL: Annual KWEC Butterfly Festival set for September 26
By FHSU University Marketing and Strategic Communications HAYS, Kan. – The Kansas Wetlands Education Center’s 13th annual Butterfly Festival will be held on Saturday, Sept. 26, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Each year, millions of monarch butterflies undertake... [More]
More News
- SPECIAL: Linn County News selected for national newspaper initiative
- Law enforcement response to armed suicidal subject
- Commissioners approve final negotiation for settlement agreement
- SPECIAL - UPDATE: Pleasanton pastor arrested
- Water emergency lifted in Pleasanton
- Linn Valley Mayor clears the air on data centers
- New county Fire Chief shares history
- Commissioners approve settlement agreement with Swan Solar
SPORTS
Jayhawk football starts season with rout of Uniontown
The Jayhawk Linn football team began their season on Sept. 4 with a home contest against Three Rivers League foe Uniontown. The Hawks had little trouble with the Eagles and had more trouble committing penalties but Jayhawk came out with the big 44-8 victory. In the first quarter... [More]
Prairie View volleyball starts season at Baldwin and home triangular
The Prairie View volleyball team started their season with a tournament at Baldwin on Aug. 29 and then a home triangular against Uniontown and Olathe Metro Academy on Aug. 31. The Baldwin tournament was a very tough tournament and the Lady Buffs played four games. They lost... [More]
Pleasanton football defeats St. Paul in overtime
The Pleasanton football team played their first game of the season on Sept. 4 against TRL foe St. Paul. Pleasanton is 8-man this year after quite a few years in 11-man so it had been a while since they played St. Paul in football. The Jays were victorious in the first game back... [More]
More Sports
- Jayhawk girls’ golf places second at Woodland Hills
- Britz places first for the Lady Buffs at Woodland Hills
- More than Friday Night Lights
- Annual kids’ fishing derby held at the Linn County Fair and Rodeo
- Multiple kids qualify for the State Fair at annual pedal pull
- Annual Demo Derby kicks off the Linn County Fair and Rodeo
- Linn County well represented in 2026 National High School Finals Rodeo
- A day of fun and records
COMMUNITY
John and Helen Barnes Community Fund grant awards announced
John and Helen Barnes were long-term Linn County community members that supported the growth and well-being of Linn County and its members. Their estate provided for the distribution of annual monies from the John and Helen Barnes Community Fund (JHBCF) to non-profit organizations... [More]
Sources of Strength brings hope, help and strength to JLHS students this year
Editor’s Note: In an effort to provide more information on Sources of Strength, we’ve added comments and clarifications to instill further understanding of the program. Sources of Strength (S.O.S.) is a best practice, strength-based, upstream suicide prevention... [More]
America 250: The American Revolution The Founding Fathers
The Founding Fathers were important in the creation of our nation. They helped contribute to founding documents such as The Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Articles of Confederation. They also contributed to many boycotts, like the Boston Tea Party. They were also... [More]
More Community
- Janet Reynolds: Library, History, and Public Service
- Mayor Potter opens up about his plans for Linn Valley
- La Cygne celebration set for Saturday
- Lorna Turley: A life of family and service
- Parker Lodge No. 341 donates $800 to Operation School Supply and the Parker Library
- Labette Bank Golden Adventure Club attends Branson musical
- Daily Objective Distillery - a local American destination
- SPECIAL: Mine Creek Battlefield Foundation hosts Civil War Camp Dance


