Sedgwick County commissioners restore curfew for restaurants under a new health order

Sedgwick County commissioners restore curfew for restaurants under a new health order

Sedgwick County commissioners restore curfew for restaurants under a new health order

In a special meeting Friday, Sedgwick County commissioners reversed a change they made to an order issued by the county’s health officer to limit the spread of coronavirus.

The commissioners had removed a requirement for restaurants and businesses that serve alcohol to close at midnight.   They voted to restore that curfew during the special meeting.  Commission chairman Pete Meitzner said he had learned that some restaurants become more of a bar environment late at night.  He felt the original order, which requires bars and nightclubs to temporarily close, was a strategic attempt to target a source of COVID-19 spread.    Meitzner moved to restore the curfew.

Commissioner David Dennis said he was not aware of the situation with restaurants, and he said that’s why commissioners should not make changes from the bench without getting more information from staff.   He voted to support Meitzner’s motion.

Dennis also criticized Wichita mayor Brandon Whipple for making a comment on social media that said the county commission had “gutted” the health order.  Dennis said he has offered to have communication with the mayor and city officials if they have concerns, but the mayor has not contacted him.   Commissioner Lacey Cruse said she and Meitzner had talked with the mayor, and she apologized to other commissioners for not relaying information to them.  She said “The last thing we need is any more turmoil, because the only way to beat this virus is to come together as a community.”

The vote to restore the midnight curfew was 3-2.   Commissioner Jim Howell voted no, saying that masks and social distancing and other requirements are reasonable, but to close down businesses is going a step too far.  Commissioner Michael O’Donnell also voted no, saying the county was picking winners and losers with the health order.

The curfew will go into effect at 2 a.m. Saturday.

The commissioners did not make any other changes in the order.  It will be in effect through August 21st, and masks will not be required for children 11 and under.   Public swimming pools will be exempt from the health order.

 

 

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