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

Commissioners review numbers for park and marina

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Discuss possible remodels   In a review of year-to-date numbers for income and expenses for the Linn County Park and Marina, commissioners learned Monday that the park will have a gain of $49,499.49 and Park Manager Sherri Loveland estimated true year-end numbers to... [More]

Skipper resigns from Pleasanton Council

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Two public comments were heard at the start of the Pleasanton Council meeting held Monday, Dec. 22; the first from former councilman Jake Mattingley and the second from former councilman Aaron Portman. Mattingley relayed the steps taken after he had raw sewage enter his yard... [More]

SPECIAL: Missing persons case takes tragic turn

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What began as a report of a young teenager missing from Holiday Lakes shortly after 6 p.m. on Sunday evening, Dec. 21, took a tragic turn on Monday afternoon when the Linn County Sheriff’s Office began blocking off roadways east of Pleasanton and searching the area with... [More]

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SPORTS

Blu-Jay boys sweep and girls split against Altoona Midway and Uniontown

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The Pleasanton boys’ and girls’ basketball teams played Three River League opponents this past week as they traveled to Altoona Midway on Dec. 16 and then to Uniontown on Dec. 19. To see the full article, check out this week's edition of the Linn County News or... [More]

Prairie View girls’ basketball falls to Santa Fe Trail and Iola

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The Prairie View girls’ basketball teams had two Pioneer League opponents this week in Santa Fe Trail and Iola. The Lady Buffs traveled to Santa Fe Trail on Dec. 16 and hosted Iola on Dec. 18. To see the full article, check out this week's edition of the Linn County News... [More]

Jayhawk girls’ basketball dominates Southeast Cherokee and Erie

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The Jayhawk girls’ basketball team continued their winning ways this past week as they faced TRL foes Southeast Cherokee and Erie. The girls hosted Cherokee on Dec. 16 before traveling to Erie on Dec. 19. To see the full article, check out this week's edition of the... [More]

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COMMUNITY

KIDS CORNER: The stories behind Christmas traditions and symbols

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Christmas is filled with many different types of decorations, traditions and foods. Have you ever wondered how some of them became so popular at Christmas time? Here, I have taken ten well-known Christmas-related items, and did some research about them.   Advent Wreaths... [More]

2026 Operation Round Up awardees selected; more than $50,000 to be distributed

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Nonprofits throughout eastern Kansas that serve community members in need will soon receive a total of more than $50,000 in contributions from Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative members through Heartland’s Operation Round Up program. “It’s always impressive... [More]

Christmas food drive planned Dec. 20

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A second food drive to aid those in need prior to Christmas is planned for Saturday, Dec. 20 from 10 a.m. to noon at the First Christian Church in Pleasanton, 613 Main Street, in the back downstairs room. Canned goods and non-perishable items are being collected at Food Fair... [More]

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