Pottawatome County officials have released the latest public health order for that county relating to COVID-19 reopening.
1. Mass gatherings prohibited: Mass gatherings of more than 50 individuals are prohibited. Mass gatherings are defined as instances in which individuals are in one location and are unable to maintain a 6-foot distance between individuals (not including individuals who reside together) with only infrequent or incidental moments of closer proximity.
2. Social Distancing: Individuals should maximize physical distance (6 feet or more) between other individuals (not including those who reside together) in public settings as much as possible.
3. Guidance for Individuals: Individuals are strongly encouraged to follow guidance as outlined in this order and Fundamental Public Health Guidelines as set out in the Governor’s guidance(s). Further, individuals are encouraged to wear cloth or similar masks in public settings.
4. Guidance for Employers/Businesses: Employers and businesses are strongly encouraged to follow guidance as outlined in this order and the Governor’s Guidelines. 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. All businesses should take proactive measures to ensure compliance with Recommended Business Practices as published by the Centers for Disease Control and industry-specific guidance by trade groups.
Nothing in this Order shall be interpreted to require that any business open if they choose not to.
5. Activities and venues prohibited: The following activities and venues DO NOT OPEN at this time.
a. Outdoor and indoor large entertainment venues with capacity of 2,000 or more; With full community cooperation, this proactive public health order may minimize the impact of COVID-19 on Pottawatomie County communities.
Individuals are strongly encouraged to follow guidance attached to this order and urged to refrain from close contacts outside of their own household.
People at high risk of severe illness from COVID-19 and sick are urged to stay in their residence except to seek medical care.
Pursuant to K.S.A. 65-129b, any sheriff, deputy sheriff or other law enforcement officer of the state or any political subdivision within Pottawatomie County, Kansas is hereby ordered to assist in the execution or enforcement of this order.
Any person violating any provision of this order or failing to comply with any of the above requirements shall be fined, upon conviction, up to $100 for each offense, pursuant to K.S.A. 65-127.
The order will be effective as of six p.m. May 27th and will remain in effect for 14 days. It can be extended or modified as circumstances dictate.