KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly said Friday she’s recommending most communities advance to Phase 3 of the Ad Astra reopening plan.
Last month, Kelly gave reopening power back to local governments with the understanding the Ad Astra plan would act as guidance.
In a late afternoon press conference, Kelly said the Kansas Department of Environment and Health reports improving trends in all three key health metrics: disease spread, hospitalization and testing capacity.
Kelly asked counties in which those metrics have plateaued or are trending in the wrong direction to consider remaining in Phase 2 until better reports.
KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman said he is encouraged by the improving trend lines, though more than a dozen counties, mostly in rural areas, have become areas of concern.
Norman said the department is responding with “strike teams” prepared with testing supplies, and that such action “will become our new norm.”
Under Phase 3 of the Ad Astra plan, gathering limits are recommended at 45 or fewer people.People are still asked to stay at home if they feel sick, but for employer, on-site staffing is unrestricted.
Non-essential travel can also resume under Phase 3.
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