Kansas governor announces plan to reopen state

(From Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly)

After discussion with public health officials and evaluating the state's disease spread, testing capacity and other factors, we have decided to lift the statewide "safer-at-home" order. We will gradually and cautiously move into Phase 1 of "Ad Astra: A Plan to Reopen Kansas."

In Phase 1 of the plan, the statewide stay-at-home order is lifted on May 4. In its place, mass gatherings statewide will be limited to 10 or fewer. Entities already considered essential functions pursuant to the Kansas Essential Functions Framework can continue to operate.

So what does Phase 1 mean for Kansans?

It means that you can go to restaurants - as long as they adhere to proper public health guidelines and can maintain at least 6 feet between customers. 

It means you can go to the library, and childcare facilities will be open. But please note that under Phase 1, bars and night clubs, fitness centers, hair salons or barber shops and public swimming pools will not open.

Under "Ad Astra: A Plan to Reopen Kansas," county officials are permitted to impose regulations that are more restrictive than the Framework, but cannot be less restrictive.

Counties do not have to submit requests to the state to institute equal or more restrictive standards.