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1. Where can I read Local Health Order 16?

Read the full text of Local Order No. 16 at https://www.rileycountyks.gov/Archive.aspx?ADID=2758

Read the news release for the order at https://www.rileycountyks.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1158 

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. 16?

Read the complete text of Local Health Order No. 16 here.

DEFINITIONS 

For purposes of this Order No. 16, 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. 

For the purposes of this Order No. 16 the phrase "public or mass gathering" is defined as any planned or spontaneous, public or private event or convening in which individuals are in one location and are unable to maintain a 6-foot distance between individuals (not including individuals who reside together) with only infrequent orincidental moments of closer proximity.

MASS GATHERINGS

• Mass gatherings of greater than 50 individuals are prohibited. All individuals present within the city limits of Manhattan must comply with the local mask ordinance.
• Mass gatherings of greater than 50 individuals (but less than 2,000) are only allowed if approved at least 14 days prior to the event.  Please fill out the request form here.
• Large venues of more than 2000 person capacity shall remain closed.

BUSINESS RESTRICTIONS

For purposes of this Order No. 16, 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.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/guidance-business­ response.html) 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.

RESTAURANTS AND BARS

•  All restaurants and bars shall screen each employee prior to each shift. This shall include asking about symptoms, travel, contact, and checking temperatures. Please use Appendix A for record keeping. These records and other attendance records shall be available to Riley County Health Department staff upon request.
• 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.
• Service or consumption of food or drinks at a counter/bar or in standing-only areas is prohibited.
• Consumption of food and beverages shall only take place at a 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.
• All seated parties must be placed 6 feet apart from other seated parties (between tables and/or booths), or when that is not feasible a barrier such as plexiglass or other partition shall divide booths or tables closer than 6 feet.

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

Local Health Order No. 16 has no expiration date but cannot extend past the declared state of emergency, which expires December 31, 2020.

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 and are still a source of virus spread in the community. 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 16?

Order 16 provides opportunity for mass gatherings of greater than 50 individuals, but less than 2,000, 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 within Manhattan city limits are required to wear masks according to Manhattan City Ordinance No. 7488.

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

No. Large venues of more than 2000 person capacity shall remain closed. 

9. 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.