NEWTON, Kan. — The Harvey County Commission voted Tuesday night at a special meeting to remain in the second phase of the Harvey County Health Reopening Plan regarding COVID-19 response through June 2. The local plan generally follows the guidance included in Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly’s “Ad Astra: A Plan to Reopen Kansas” outline.
The Commission also agreed to increase mass gathering limits in Harvey County from 15 to 30 people.
Commissioners unanimously approved the decision to revise and adopt the Harvey County Health Reopening Plan.
Harvey County, and the State of Kansas, are currently in Phase Two of the State’s order. All restrictions previously outlined in the State’s reopening plan remain in place in Harvey County’s local plan.
Additionally, Harvey County’s plan restricts in-person visits at long-term care facilities through its first three phases.
Tuesday afternoon, Gov. Kelly announced she would veto House Bill 2054, which ended the State’s executive order regarding her phased reopening plan as of 11:59 p.m. Tuesday night. That decision passed potential restrictions and guidelines to the county level moving forward.
Commissioners and the public health officer are anticipated to re-evaluate the local order at the Commission’s June 2 meeting. The meeting will be held at 9 a.m. at the Harvey County Courthouse. The meeting will be open to the public, while following mass gathering and social distancing guidance.