Capacity limits increased to 50 percent
Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas on Thursday extended his emergency order with an updated set of guidelines as Kansas City continues to move forward with its re-opening plan.
This order will take effect at 12:01 a.m. on Sunday, May 31, and will remain in effect until at least 12:01 a.m. Sunday, July 5.
Lucas said this order will be evaluated on an ongoing basis and may be modified as circumstances change, based on guidance from public health officials and other medical experts.
“As Kansas City continues our re-opening efforts, we ask all businesses and individuals to work in tandem with us to slow the spread of COVID-19,” said Mayor Lucas. “Just because you can go to a bar, restaurant, or event, it does not mean you have to. I encourage all Kansas Citians to reflect on the role they play in protecting our vulnerable populations from this disease.”
Effective Sunday, May 31:
.Business operations may continue in-person, provided business operators limit the number of occupants allowed to no more than 50 percent of building occupancy.
.Business operations generally open to the public and operating in a publicly accessible capacity where social distancing cannot be maintained – for example, salons and restaurants – shall maintain six feet of distance between areas of service, such as tables or booths, and mandate all service providers wear masks while providing services.
.Gatherings – including, but not limited to, religious services, weddings, funerals, lectures, and performances – of 50 percent of listed occupancy may continue provided social distancing is maintained.
.Outside events may continue, provided social distancing is maintained.
Additionally, Kansas City requires that businesses accommodate employees with health or safety concerns, or with responsibilities to care for minors or other persons, to not report to work while this Order is in effect, absent undue hardship, if:
.The employee has an underlying health condition that results in a compromised immune system, putting that person at greater risk of death or serious injury if they contract COVID-19; or
.The employee is the primary caregiver for a family member who contracted COVID-19 and qualifies for leave under the Family Medical Leave Act; or
.The employee is employed by a business with fewer than 500 employees, and under the Families First Coronavirus Relief Act (FFCRA) that employee is eligible for paid leave because the employee must care for a minor child due to the closure or loss of a caregiver resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lucas said Kansas City will be strongly enforcing this order. Violation of any provision of this Order may result in the suspension or revocation of the Certificate of Occupancy and/or Business License for the offending business or concern in accordance with the Sections 18-23 and 40-28 of City Code of Ordinances.