Lawrence, KS – According to the statement, the updated order takes effect at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, and the changes include:
- Expanding the mass gathering limit from 25 people to 50 people.
- Removing the requirement under a public health order to close premises at midnight at venues and establishments serving food and drink, including alcoholic beverages. The social distancing and masking requirements remain for these establishments.
The new order is in recognition of fewer COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in the community.
The health order still includes:
- An indoor capacity limit of 50% of the lowest occupancy load on the certificate of occupancy of the facility where the gathering is occurring. This applies to entertainment venues, recreational facilities, restaurants, bars and other businesses serving food and/or drink indoors.
- A requirement for all people older than 5 to wear masks in all indoor public spaces — except when eating, drinking, swimming or if they have a medical condition that prevents it — and outdoor public spaces where they are unable to maintain 6 feet of social distance.