Here's What You Can And Can't Do Under New Coronavirus Restrictions In The Kansas City Area
KCUR | By Aviva Okeson-Haberman
Published November 19, 2020 at 2:50 PM CST
Under updated coronavirus restrictions in Jackson County, churches and other places of worship are limited to 50 percent capacity.
The restrictions are a result of rising COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.
New coronavirus restrictions start Friday for Kansas City residents.
This will affect how many people you can have at get-togethers indoors, your experience eating out at a restaurant and whether you can still plan large events like a wedding.
Metro counties including Wyandotte, Jackson, Clay and Platte have also announced health orders similar to Kansas City's, although there are some minor differences related to the implementation date. Johnson County, Kansas' health order has already taken effect, but it's less stringent.
To find out what your city or county is requiring, the information is below.
(Note: If you live in Kansas City, the city's regulations apply regardless of the county in which you reside.)
What time do bars and restaurants close and how will the dining experience change?
You'll have to leave bars and restaurants by 10 p.m. Expect to wear a mask inside when you're not drinking or eating. Groups are limited to 10 people and should be spaced out at least six feet. If you're still hungry after 10 p.m. you can order takeout since restaurants are allowed to remain open for carryout services.
What's the limit for indoor gatherings?
Ten people for indoor gatherings. This includes both public and private events.
Does this indoor gathering limit apply if I'm planning a larger event like a wedding, funeral or celebration??
You can gather with more than 10 people if you get approval from the health department. Apply for an exemption here at least seven days before the event.
Can I go to church or my place of worship?
Yes, regularly scheduled religious services are exempt from the 10 person limit.
Can I still workout at my gym?
Yes, but you will have to keep your mask on and keep six feet away from other individuals. Also, gyms have to limit capacity to 50%.
When do these new rules start?
Monday, Nov. 23
Read the full health order here.
Student trainers at Center High School mask up while handing out water to football players during a September home game.
Indoor and outdoor groups at restaurants and bars are limited to 10 people, and there must be at least six feet between groups. Masks must be worn when you're not eating or drinking. Building occupancy will remain at 50% or lower. Restaurants and bars must close by 10 p.m.
What about other businesses?
All businesses that are open to the public have to limit the number of individuals in the store to 50% "of the lowest occupancy load of the room or facility in which the gathering is occurring."
Gatherings can't have more than 10 people unless "attendees wear a face covering and maintain six feet of distance between individuals."
Does this gathering limit apply if I'm planning a large event like a wedding, funeral or celebration?
Any gathering with more than 10 people should submit a plan to Jackson County at least seven business days before the event. You can apply for an exemption here.
Yes, but churches and other places of worship are limited to 50% capacity, according to the health department's spokeswoman.
Yes, you'll need to wear a mask and stay six feet away from other people. Also, there may be fewer people at your gym since occupancy is limited to 50% capacity.
Friday, Nov. 20, 2020
Shawnee Mission Post
Johnson County Commissioners voted 4-3 Friday, Nov. 13, 2020, on a set of pandemic restrictions that include an extension of mask requirements, physical distancing guidelines and earlier closing hours for bars and restaurants.
Businesses selling alcohol and restaurants must close indoor services at midnight. No more than eight people are allowed to dine together at a table and tables should be spaced out six feet. There should also be six feet between individuals sitting in a bar area.
What's the limit for gatherings?
Indoor and outdoor gatherings are limited to 50 people or 50% of the building's capacity, whichever is less.
Funeral and burial services are exempt from the 50 person gathering limit. Weddings or other events may still happen if you get approval from the county.
Yes, religious institutions and activities are not included in the mass gathering limit.
Yes, gyms are exempt from the mass gathering and building capacity limitations. However, fitness centers must close locker rooms.
When do these new rules start? The order went into effect Nov. 16.
Visitors to Westport move along the sidewalk near Pennsylvania Ave. and Westport Road.
Restaurants and bars must operate at no more than 50% building capacity and close by 10 p.m.
If you dine in, you'll be seated and have to wear a mask anytime you aren't eating. Tables will be spaced out with six feet of distance and groups eating together are limited to ten people.
All indoor gatherings are limited to 10 people. Gatherings are defined as groups not part of the
same household.
Yes, however, you can reach out to the health department for an exception. Also, venues hosting events can apply for an exemption for all gatherings they're planning if their safety measures will be applied to all gatherings consistently.
Regularly scheduled community, religious, health and civic group meetings are exempt from the10-person gathering limit. However, the health department is strongly advising having church services or support groups meet virtually.
Yes, but you'll need to wear a mask at any gym, fitness or recreational center. Also, expect fewer
people working out with you since building capacity will be limited to 50%.
Friday, Nov. 20
Read the full health order on the city's website. They also have a handy FAQ.
Indoor dining and drinking ends at 10 p.m. You can't go to a restaurant or bar with parties larger than 10 people. When you get there, you'll have to be seated and masked at all times, except when eating or drinking. Occupancy is reduced to 50% and there should be at least six feet between groups.
No more than ten people at indoor gatherings. This doesn't include regular non-event business or educational activity.
You'll need to reach out to the health department to get an exemption. The health department has a self-assessment tool to get you started and any plans can be submitted to info@plattehealth.com.
Church services or other regularly scheduled religious gatherings are exempt. However, the county is urging religious groups to hold virtual meetings.
Yep, just wear a mask and maintain social distance. Gyms are limited to 50% capacity.
Laura Ziegler
KCUR
Kansas City Cupcakes is a family-owned store in downtown Kansas City, Kansas.
Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas
Any business serving food or drinks has to close shop by 10 p.m. They will also have to limit the number of people to no more than 50% of building occupancy. You'll need to wear a mask whenever you aren't eating and all patrons must be seated with six feet between groups. Also, you can only dine out with eight or fewer people.
No indoor and outdoor gatherings of more than 10 people.
Are there any exemptions to that gathering limit?
There are exemptions for schools, health care facilities, businesses, faith-based activities and government operations.
What about a wedding or a funeral?
Weddings and funerals are not included in the 10 person gathering limit.
If you wear a mask and stay six feet away from other people you can still visit your gym. Occupancy at gyms, recreational facilities and entertainment venues are limited to 50%.
HealthKansas CityUnified Government of Wyandotte County/KCKJohnson CountyClay CountyPlatte CountyCoronavirus
Aviva Okeson-Haberman
Aviva Okeson-Haberman is the Missouri government and politics reporter at KCUR 89.3.
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