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

SEK Mental Health Center and Neosho Memorial launch joint discussions to preserve local care

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    CHANUTE, KS - Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center (SEKMHC) and Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center (NMRMC) announced that they are working together to explore options to preserve access to local healthcare services for communities across... [More]

SPECIAL: Leonard waives preliminary hearing in Missouri court case

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  In a hearing held on Wednesday morning, Feb. 4, in the Circuit Court of Bates County, Mo., with Judge Julie Highley-Keutzer presiding, Damon Leonard waived his preliminary hearing in the case filed in connection with the death of a rural Pleasanton youth. Defense attorney... [More]

Deputy Parscale receives award from Sheriffs' Association

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Patrol Sgt. Klayton Parscale, a deputy with the Linn County Sheriffs' Office, was nominated by Linn County Sheriff James Akes for an award to be presented at the Kansas Sheriffs' Association Awards Ceremony. It was suggested that the Kansas Sheriffs' Association create a Lifesaving... [More]

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SPORTS

Jayhawk girls’ basketball sweeps Yates Center and Pleasanton

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The Jayhawk girls’ basketball team hosted both Yates Center and Pleasanton this past week. It was Courtwarming week and faced Yates Center on Jan. 29 and Pleasanton on Jan. 30. The Lady Hawks defeated Yates Center 53-33 and Pleasanton 53-10. Yates Center played the... [More]

Pleasanton boys’ basketball continues winning ways with victories over Crest and Jayhawk

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The Pleasanton boys’ basketball team played Crest and Jayhawk this past week and won both games over them. The team hosted Crest on Jan. 29 and won that game 61-50 before traveling to Jayhawk on Jan. 30 and winning that game 47-42. The Crest game started with the Jays... [More]

Prairie View basketball hosts Burlington and Osawatomie

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The Prairie View basketball teams hosted Burlington and Osawatomie this past week. The Buffalos played Burlington on Jan. 27 and both the girls and boys lost to the Wildcats. The girls’ game started with Burlington getting a 16-4 lead and then leading 33-16 at halftime.... [More]

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COMMUNITY

PV FFA receives KAAE award

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According to their website, one of the goals of the Kansas Association of Agricultural Educators, or KAAE, is to promote and improve the teaching of agriculture in secondary schools and where courses in technical agriculture constitute the principal function, maintain and improve... [More]

Mound City cowboy wins Big in Texas

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Mound City bull rider, Colton Byram, emerged as the biggest winner at the PRCA Xtreme “Bulls Night Out” held at the Ft. Worth Stock Show Jan 20-21. The Xtreme Bulls are stand-alone bull riding events held throughout the year and sanctioned by the PRCA with points... [More]

Washburn University Music & Theatre Department to host Piano Day Feb. 14

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TOPEKA, KAN. — The Washburn University Music & Theatre Department will host Washburn Piano Day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 14 for K-12 piano students. “As students prepare for spring piano recitals and competitions, Washburn Piano Day gives K-12 piano students... [More]

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