Sedgwick County Commissioners approved one change and rejected two others for a new health order that goes into effect in a few days for the COVID-19 pandemic.

Commissioner Jim Howell moved to allow restaurants that don’t serve alcohol to remain open for in-person dining without any limitations on hours of operation. That was approved with a 5-0 vote.   The health order that takes effect on February 7th will move the closing time from 11 p.m. to midnight for bars and restaurants that serve alcohol.  It also will allow them to have up to 150 people, or 75 percent of fire code capacity, whichever is less.

Commissioner Sarah Lopez moved to limit mass gatherings to 50 instead of 100 as the new health order requires.  Lopez feels that having gatherings of 100 may be too much and it would be difficult to go back with more restrictions if coronavirus cases increase.    Commissioner David Dennis said the county needs to move forward to get the economy open and get youngsters back in schools, and he will support the order from the Local Health Officer,  Dr. Garold Minns.

Lopez made another motion to keep the limit of two spectators per participant for youth and adult sporting events.  The health order allows four spectators per participant, and Commissioner Jim Howell said that supports family members who want to attend sporting events.

Both motions were rejected by a vote of 2-3, with Cruse and Lopez voting yes and Commissioners Howell, Dennis and Chairman Pete Meitzner voting no.