Sedgwick County Commissioners were planning discussions Friday with the county’s Local Health Officer, Dr. Garold Minns, to talk about possible changes in the current health order for the coronavirus pandemic.
The health order was put into effect on February 7th, and it’s due to expire on March 20th. At a staff meeting earlier this week, some commissioners expressed the opinion that it may be time to ease some of the restrictions. Commissioner David Dennis said the situation is improving at local hospitals and students are going back to schools, and he thinks its time to ease some restrictions and get businesses back open. Local hospitals reported this week that they are seeing fewer patients with COVID-19 and the staffing situation has improved.
The health order allows bars and nightclubs to remain open until midnight, and bars, gyms and restaurants can have up to 150 people or 75 percent of fire code capacity. Mass gatherings are limited to 100 people. Restaurants that don’t serve alcohol can have in-person dining without any limitations on hours.
Dennis is also calling for antibody testing in addition to the regular COVID-19 testing that is being done in the community. He believes one fifth of the county’s population may have antibodies, and he feels it’s important for county leaders to have more information.
