By NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County Interim Health Officer Karen Hammersmith commented on the policy change put out Thursday by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment no longer requesting quarantine for those who attend events out of state with more than 500 people.
"You can get into a stadium outside and still be able to social distance when you don't fill it to capacity compared to a small venue even with less people there," Hammersmith said. "People just have to use a lot of common sense."
The relaxing of the restrictions was announced just hours before the Kansas City Chiefs open the defense of their Super Bowl title at home at Arrowhead Stadium on Thursday night.
"Basically, it doesn't even matter the size," Hammersmith said. "Obviously, if you can't social distance, I would not encourage you to attend that event. It makes a big difference. If you're in a stadium at a football game, you can obviously social distance a little bit more than if you go inside a gym."
Hammersmith is pleased with the crowd size precautions being taken by local schools for their events and how hard the local community has worked together to slow the spread of COVID-19.