Sedgwick County commissioners have voted to make some changes in the new public health order that will go into effect December 10th for the coronavirus pandemic.

One change will allow event venues to follow the same capacity requirements as bars and restaurants. Commissioner David Dennis said private venues can space tables out and require masks, and the way the current order is written, it only allows 25 people in a facility.   He said they want to be on a fair playing field with other venues.   Commissioners agreed to allow venues to have 100 people or 50 percent of fire code capacity, as bars and restaurants are required to do.     Assistant county counselor Justin Waggoner said he had talked with local health officer Dr. Garold Minns on the proposed change, and Dr. Minns had expressed a concern about people moving around at large venues, talking with others and staying longer at the event, creating a higher risk for COVID-19.   Commissioners approved the change with a unanimous vote.

Another change will allow two spectators per participant at youth sports activities, going along with guidelines adopted by the Kansas State High School Activities Association.  Commissioners voted 4-1 to make the change, with commissioner Lacey Cruse voting no.   Cruse said the priority should be for safety of the children at the events, and she said she had not received any comments from parents who said they wanted to attend the events.     Commissioner Jim Howell said it’s the responsibility of the parents and guardians to look out for their children’s safety, and they should be allowed to attend the events.

The county spelled out the changes in a news release:

For indoor single-court or single-playing area rooms and outdoor facilities, there can be a maximum of two attendees per participant. All persons must exit the area once the event is over.

For indoor multi-court or multi-playing area rooms, there can be a maximum of two attendees per participant. All persons must exit the area once the event is over.

The facility hosting any youth or adult recreational organized sports is responsible for ensuring that no players or spectators on different courts or playing areas are within 6 feet of one another.

The health order will be in effect through January 9th.