New Board of Public Health Order Issued to Help Curb COVID-19

Published on November 15, 2020

Illustration of the COVID-19 virus.

Merriam Community Center Indoor Pool to Close as a Result of the Order

Due to the increase of coronavirus cases in the Kansas City region, Johnson County health officials on Friday issued a public health order to help control the spread of COVID-19. The order starts Monday, Nov. 16, and goes through Jan. 31, 2021. 

What this means for you:

  • Restaurants, bars, night clubs, and other businesses that sell alcohol must close by midnight, including in-person dining. Carry-out, drive-thru, and delivery may continue after midnight. Only up to eight people may be seated together at one table.
  • Gatherings are limited to 50 people or 50% capacity, whichever is less. Exemptions include places of worship, child care facilities, schools and school activities, courts, fitness centers, bars, restaurants, and retail stores.
  • Fitness centers must close locker rooms, except for use as a bathroom.
  • Recreation and youth sports can continue, but attendance is limited to two attendees per participant.
  • Face masks must be worn at all times in businesses where people need to be closer than 6 feet, such as at nail and hair salons, doctors’ visits, etc.
  • You must maintain 6 feet of distance between you and anyone who doesn’t live with you in a public space.

Because locker rooms are included in this order, the Merriam Community Center indoor pool will be closed Monday, Nov. 16 through Jan. 31, 2021. The City will also cancel any events that have more than 50 people.

In a separate order, the State of Kansas Finance Council met Friday and approved Gov. Laura Kelly’s request to extend her state of disaster declaration to Dec. 15. This order continues the state’s face mask order through Dec. 15.

View frequently asked questions provided by Johnson County

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