The Harvey County Commission voted unanimously to remove its local health orders that required masks and set limits on gathering sizes.
Commissioners said the public orders were dropped because of a potential change in state law that would open up the county to legal action if the orders were left in place.
“Our state legislators are making decisions that hinder local government and the local boards of health,” said Harvey County Commission Chairman George ‘Chip’ Westfall. “We’ll continue to support and encourage our residents and businesses to make sound health decisions to reduce the spread of COVID-19.”
Though there is no longer order requiring masks in public, they will still be required in county facilities.
“It is imperative that people continue to take personal responsibility and take common sense precautions, because COVID-19 has not gone away,” said Harvey County Health Department Director Lynnette Redington. “The Health Department will continue to recommend individuals wear a face mask, social distance, and to get a COVID-19 vaccination when it is available to you.”
The Kansas House and Senate recently sent SB 40 to Governor Kelly’s desk. This bill reworks a lot of emergency powers, and takes some power away from local unelected health officers. This bill also gives citizens more power to challenge a county’s health orders in court. Although Governor Kelly has not signed this bill into law, she has indicated she will support it.
There is speculation that Sedgwick County commissioners may take action to remove local health orders at Wednesday’s meeting.
