Shawnee County tweaks the ‘modified phase 2’ recovery plan

The state “modified Phase 2” recovery plan that goes into effect this Friday is subject to change county-by-county because the order allows each county to impose equal or more stringent restrictions.

UPDATE: As of May 22, Shawnee county playgrounds are now open for public use.

Officials in Shawnee County began requiring widespread face mask usage this week, and all retail employees are required to wear a face mask. There must also be hand sanitizer available throughout the store, and employees must sanitize shopping carts before customers use them. Personal services such as barbers, beauty salons and nail salons are required to have masks on both the employee and the customer.

READ: Kelly to move Kansas into ‘modified Phase 2’ of recovery plan

Restaurants must monitor waiting lines to assure social distancing, and waitstaff must sanitize hands between customers. Table service is allowed for customers, but at counters. Self-service of food or drinks, such as salad bars or drink stations, are not allowed.

Retail businesses are limited to 5 customers per 1000 square feet. Gyms must sanitize equipment after each use.  Real estate showings are allowed, but all persons involved must wear masks, and no open houses are allowed.

The use of playground equipment at Parks and Recreation locations is still prohibited.

READ: Shawnee County Health Department offers Drive-Through COVID-19 testing

Otherwise, Shawnee County will follow guidelines of the state order, and all businesses and activities will be allowed to reopen Friday except for bars, nightclubs and swimming pools. Bars and nightclubs may not open until Phase 3, excluding curbside and carryout services.

Theaters, bowling alleys, museums, arcades and organized sports activities may resume business. Community centers and fitness clubs can open and can resume in-person classes of 15 or fewer participants. Locker rooms will remain closed except for restroom facilities.

Businesses still must avoid instances where individuals are not able to maintain 6 feet of distance with only infrequent or incidental moments of closer proximity.

Recreational organized sports facilities, tournaments and practices must also still adhere to social distancing requirements and follow Parks and Recs guidelines, which can be found on covid.ks.gov.

The entire county order can be found here.

Large venues seating more than 2,000, fairs, festivals, parades and summer camps will remain shut down until Phase 3.

Phase 3 is expected to begin on Monday, June 8, with mass gatherings limits increased to 45 individuals.

–Lee Hartman | Metro Voice

Go here to visit the Topeka Metro Voice Facebook page for local event notices, breaking news and local announcements. To help us spread the word, and to continue seeing our posts on your Facebook feed, “Like” the page and then like or share a story now and then, so that they will keep showing up in your feed.

Can You Help?

With events and churches cancelling services, the advertising that the Topeka Metro Voice relies on for support is drying up. For 14 years, Topeka Metro Voice has been a leader in the faith-based community. We have historically relied on advertising to fund the mission of our publication and sharing the Good News, as well as supporting local small businesses and community events. We are now seeking partners who want to support our publication and our mission of faith-based journalism and supporting the community and local small businesses.

Do you like what you read here? Help us continue our mission by supporting the Topeka Metro Voice in print and online for as little as $5. Every contribution counts, big or small. We sincerely thank you for your continued support and encouragement in these critical times.