KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly said the state will transition to a modified Phase Two of reopening on Friday.
Kelly said with hospitalization and death rates due to COVID-19 down, and testing ramped up, Kansas leaders feel comfortable moving forward with reopening.
Under Phase Two, mass gatherings will be restricted to 15 or fewer people, up from 10 in phases one and 1.5.
Businesses and activities slated to open in Phase Two will be allowed to do so, with the exception of bars, nightclubs and pools. Casinos may also open.
Entertainment-based businesses, such as trampoline parks and theaters, also will be able to open their doors.
Kelly said organized sports will be allowed to resume, given participants follow state guidelines.
Large entertainment venues with a capacity of 2,000 people or more will remain closed, as will summer camps that are not licensed child care programs.
Festivals will not be allowed to resume under Phase Two.
Kelly said she expect Kansas’ third phase of reopening will begin June 8, with a gathering limit of 45 people.
Kelly stressed that these dates are goals, but the state will not move forward until leaders feel the data indicates it is safe to do so.
Under Kansas' previous plan for Phase Two, the gathering limit would have been set at 30. Kelly said she and state leaders reduced that to 15 based on public health data.
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