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1. Where can I read Local Health Order 19?

Read the full text of Local Order No. 19 at https://www.rileycountyks.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/2804

Read the news release for the order at http://rileycountyks.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1229

Please use the links below to find information about health orders and executive orders in neighboring counties:

Pottawatomie County

Geary County

The State of Kansas

2. What regulations are part of Order No. 19?

Read the complete text of Local Health Order No. 19 at https://www.rileycountyks.gov/Archive.aspx?ADID=2804   

DEFINITIONS 

A “public space” means any indoor or outdoor space or area that is open to the public; this does not include private residential property or private offices or workspaces that are not open to customers or public visitors. Masks are not required in outdoor public spaces if a distance of 6 ft can be maintained.

A “mask or other face covering” means a covering of the nose and mouth that is secured to the head with ties, straps, or loops over the ears, or is simply wrapped around the lower face.

For purposes of this Order No. 19, "social distancing" is defined as follows: maintaining at least 6-foot social distancing from every other person present at a location, not including individuals who reside together.

MASKS

Masks or face coverings must be worn in any public space in Riley County.

MASS GATHERINGS

Mass gatherings of greater than 50 individuals are prohibited. All individuals present at a mass gathering in Riley County must comply with the county’s mask ordinance. All individuals present at a mass gathering within the city limits of Manhattan must comply with Manhattan’s mask ordinance and remain subject to its penalties for non-compliance, whether such mass gathering is authorized or not.

Events of greater than 50 individuals are only allowed if approved at least 14 days prior to the event.  Please follow this link for the request form.  http://rileycountyks.gov/1857/Novel-Coronavirus-2019-nCoV 

BUSINESS RESTRICTIONS

Businesses and other locations that are open shall comply with the following additional restrictions.  For purposes of this Order No. 19, all businesses and locations are required to comply with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) “Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers Responding to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), May 2020” (https://www.rileycountyks.gov/1870/Business-Guidelines) and industry-specific guidance from trade groups. Nothing in this order shall be interpreted to require that any business or location open if they choose not to.

It is strongly recommended that all employers screen each employee prior to each shift. It is strongly recommended any such screening include asking about symptoms, travel, and checking temperatures. Please use Appendix A for such screening.

RESTAURANTS AND BARS

• All bars shall close and further service end, and all dine-in service _at restaurants shall end at midnight and customers shall clear the premises in such bars and restaurants by 12:30 A.M.
• Drive-through, delivery, and curbside service at restaurants may continue past midnight.
• All restaurants and bars are limited to seated areas only. This includes patios.
• Consumption of food and/or beverages while standing at a counter/bar or in standing-only areas is prohibited.
• Consumption of food and/or beverages shall only take place at a counter or table via seated service.
• Dance floors (including but not limited to temporary spaces obtained by removing tables or other objects for the purpose to allow people to dance) shall be closed.
• Seated parties must be placed at least 6 feet apart from all other seated parties. When that is not feasible, a barrier such as plexiglass or other partition shall separate those parties seated closer than 6 feet from one another, whether they are seated at booths or tables.  

3. How long will the current health order be in effect?

Local Health Order No. 19 was put into effect on November 24, 2020 and has no expiration date.

The current order can be amended, superseded, or rescinded at any time before that date.

4. Do drive-through restaurants have to close at midnight?

No. Drive-through, delivery, and curbside service may continue past midnight.

 Dine-in and carry-out service must end at midnight and all customers must be out of the building by 12:30 a.m.

5. Why do bars and restaurants have additional requirements?

Business requirements focus on bars and restaurants because those establishments are high-risk environments. The additional requirements make it possible to functionally and practically social distance in a business that is designed to have people congregate close together, rather than be forced to shut those businesses down. 

The safety measures give these businesses the opportunity to continue providing service in a way that also protects public health.

6. What is the guidance for events and gatherings during Order 19?

Order 19 provides opportunity for mass gatherings of greater than 50 individuals through a permit process. 

Anyone who wishes to host an event or gathering of more than 50 people must fill out a request form at https://www.rileycountyks.gov/FormCenter/Health-Department-Forms-7/Request-for-an-Event-Larger-than-50-Peop-195 at least 14 days prior to the event. Strict safety measures will need to be in place for a gathering to be approved.

Safety precautions for gatherings or events will include mandated social distancing, face coverings, and at least 1 person assigned to maintain enforcement of safety measures per every 50 participants. A committee including medical personnel, public officials, and representatives from the business community will evaluate the request and make recommendations for approval. Emergency Operations Center Command Staff will provide final approval of requests. No events or gatherings of more than 50 people will be allowed in Riley County without a mass gathering permit.

Find more information from the CDC at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/large-events/index.html 

7. Do religions services need a gathering permit?

No, regularly held church services are exempt from this requirement.

Safety guidelines and social distancing measured should be followed. People attending church services are required to wear masks according to Riley County Local Health Order 19 as well as Manhattan City Ordinance No. 7488.

8. Can events be held in stadiums or other large venues?

Yes, large venues are allowed to reopen.

Any events of greater than 50 individuals are only allowed if approved at least 14 days prior to the event. Please follow this link to complete the event request form.

http://rileycountyks.gov/1857/Novel-Coronavirus-2019-nCoV

9. Can I order at a bar/counter?

Yes, you can order at a counter, bar, window, or by other methods. Please remember to maintain 6-ft of space. Local Health Order No. 19 does not prohibit ordering food or drinks at a counter or bar.

Place your order, follow mask requirements, then take your food or beverage to your seat or out of the establishment.

Buffet-style restaurants are also still allowed. Customers must follow mask requirements and return to their seats to eat or drink.

The goal is to avoid close contact and slow the spread of the virus.

10. Are buffet restaurants allowed?

Yes. Customers can get up to get self-service or buffet-style food and drink, but they have to eat and drink at their tables or booths. Customers are not allowed to sit at counters.