KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansas City, Missouri, Mayor Quinton Lucas announced next steps in the city’s reopening plan Thursday.
The current emergency order in effect, which emphasized the 10/10/10 Rule, expires May 31.
Lucas said his new order, which will be signed Thursday and goes into effect at 12:01 a.m. on May 31, will extend to July 5.
Rather than relying on the 10/10/10 Rule, the new order will allow for 50% capacity at almost all Kansas City venues, the mayor said, given 6-foot social distancing guidelines are followed. Essential businesses, such as hospitals, will be allowed to continue operations at 100% capacity.
At businesses where social distancing can't be maintained at all times, such as salons, restaurants and bars, areas of service must be 6 feet apart and service providers must wear masks.
Lucas said “anything in Kansas City” can reopen, whether deemed essential or not. The only entities that may be subject to additional jurisdictions are the riverboat casinos, the mayor said.
But “just because anything can be open, doesn’t mean you have to go,” Lucas said at a news conference Thursday afternoon.
Lucas asked residents to remember why orders went into place in the first place — to protect their families and fellow Kansas Citians — and urged them to remain cautious and wear masks.
“I don’t actually like us opening up too broadly. I recognize, however, that Kansas City is not an island,” Lucas said.
The city will be "strongly enforcing" the order, according to a press release sent later Thursday, primarily by the Kansas City, Missouri, Health Department, with assistance from the police and fire departments and the city's Regulated Industries Division.
Lucas said the city has the authority to close, revoke licensure or fine any entities found in violation of capacity or social distancing rules.
He also said businesses that refuse to serve customers not wearing a mask may continue to do so. The new order also has provisions for employees who feel unsafe returning to work.
Anyone who sees a violation is asked to call the health department at 816-513-6315.
Lucas said this and future decisions will rely heavily on increased testing capacity. On Thursday, the mayor announced residents will be able to call 311 for COVID-19 testing resources beginning at 8:30 a.m. Friday.
Find more information about the order here.
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