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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
If Reno County is allowed to make its own policy with regard to mass gatherings, the local health officer says it will be much less stringent than what is currently allowed by the state."The plan that was formulated with the Economic Recovery Task Force, we would essentially be in phase two, which would have mass gatherings up to 125 people would be allowed," Nick Baldetti said Tuesday. "Organizers of mass gatherings of more than 125 but less than 250 must provide a plan showing how they would ensure safe conditions."That doesn't mean local policymakers won't take another look at the situation once their hands are free, or that things would go back to normal as defined before the pandemic."I would like to confer with the Economic Recovery Task Force and the Board of Health, as well," Baldetti said. "The reality is that, it is really predicated on the individual. There's an individual accountability as a Reno County constituent to continue to practice social distancing guidelines, mask use, wearing a mask in public, proper hygiene and respiratory etiquette."It's ultimately about personal responsibility when it comes to slowing the spread.

Baldetti: If local level is allowed to set policy, it will be less restrictive