An exact number was not provided to county commissioners Wednesday, but assistant county counselor Justin Waggoner estimated that 60 to 80 letters had been sent this week to businesses to explain that they were in violation of stay-at-home orders from the county and the state of Kansas.  The orders state that only essential businesses should remain open during the coronavirus pandemic.

Waggoner said the letters are not citations or criminal complaints, but they are a warning that the business may be operating in violation of the governor’s order.   He said the letters are from the Sedgwick County Health Department, and they state a preliminary determination that the business is non-essential and should cease operations within 24 hours. Businesses can respond to the letter and if they are found to be an essential business, the matter is closed.   If the business is still determined to be non-essential, the matter is turned over to law enforcement, which would work to educate the business on operations that would be contrary to the governor’s order.

Waggoner said the county is trying to educate and inform businesses and deter them from violating the order because there is a public health issue.

There are farmers markets that are planning to open in the next few days, but Waggoner said they are considered essential businesses because they provide food services.  He said they should follow social distancing guidelines.