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Wichita mayor looking at additional steps to prevent COVID-19 spread

Wichita mayor looking at additional steps to prevent COVID-19 spread

Wichita mayor looking at additional steps to prevent COVID-19 spread

Wichita mayor Brandon Whipple said Thursday he has concerns about the changes that were made in an order from Sedgwick County’s health officer to limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

County commissioners voted to make some changes in the newest order signed by Dr. Garold Minns.    The order closes bars and nightclubs for the next four weeks, but commissioners took out a provision that would have required restaurants and other businesses that serve alcohol to close at midnight.    Commission chairman Pete Meitzner told KFDI that a surge in coronavirus cases among people 40 and under has been connected to bars and nightclubs.  Meitzner said commissioners felt that restaurants were doing a good job with health and safety practices, and they have not been gathering places for large crowds.

Mayor Whipple said the change in the order still leaves most bars, especially in Old Town, open because they get more than 30 percent of their income from serving food.   He said at his weekly news conference that he is working on a proposal to restore a cut-off time for the serving of liquor within the city limits.  He said police have reported violations of the city’s mask order at bars and nightclubs, and he said it’s difficult for those businesses to enforce the wearing of masks.    He’s suggesting having a time when liquor sales would no longer be allowed, so that crowds don’t get out of control after midnight.

The mayor said he also wants to look at promoting options for outdoor dining, by opening parking lots, sidewalks and streets.  He wants to find out if there’s a way to provide more opportunities for people to go out and eat in a safe environment without having to close businesses down.

Mayor Whipple sees a chance to take action now to be effective in limiting the spread of coronavirus and avoid a larger shutdown.   He says he has been talking to city council members about bringing a proposal forward for consideration.

 

 

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