JOHNSON COUNTY, Kan. — Monday marked the start of Phase 1.5 in Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly's reopening plan.
Kelly announced the new intermediate phase last week, which laid out a new restrictions for some businesses and prohibits others from opening.
Originally, Kelly's plan to reopen the state economy beginning May 4 included the possibility of entering Phase 2 — which includes the reopening of bars and nightclubs, non-tribal casinos, movie theaters, theaters, museums, community centers, swimming pools and organized sports facilities — as early as May 18.
The addition of the intermediate Phase 1.5 last week means such businesses must remain closed.
Phase 1.5 also includes restrictions for fitness centers and health clubs, which are allowed to open but cannot have in-person group classes.
James Hanton, who owns Got Em Fit in Olathe, said he has taken several steps to follow the rule.
"It was a little frustrating, but at the end of the day safety is first thing," Hanton said. "So, if we were to open, we want to make sure everyone is safe and everyone feels safe."
Hanton is allowing a maximum of 10 people in the gym at once, including the trainer. He is requiring members to wash their hands and put on gloves during the training session and also laid out physical markers on the floor to keep people at least six feet apart.
Kahley Schiller is preparing to open her Pilates studio, Pilates by Kahley in Overland Park, on Wednesday.
"To be honest, I'm excited, but I'm also a little nervous," she said.
After receiving a liver transplant, Schiller is now immunocompromised. She said Kelly's latest restrictions on gyms came as a relief.
"I definitely agree with it," Schiller said. "I definitely agree with being as cautious as we can be at this time, because we are definitely not through this."
Along with doing one-on-one lessons, staff will wear masks, equipment will be spaced six feet apart, guests will be asked to wash their hands before each session and the studio is being frequently disinfected.
Schiller said she's looking forward to utilizing her online workouts while taking things slow before having a full class again.
Kelly said she will monitor the state's testing rates, death rates and hospitalizations before deciding when it's time to move on to the next phase.
