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The State of Kansas is currently in Phase 2 of its reopening plan. We take a look at what Phase 3 might entail and when it could happen.
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When will Kansas go to Phase 3?
Phase 3 of the Kansas Ad Astra Plan will begin when two conditions have been met: a downward trend of COVID-19 cases over a 14-day period and a vaccine is widely available. At that time, most businesses and organizations will be able to operate at full capacity with the appropriate health and safety protocols in place.
The criteria for Phase 3
In order for a county to advance to Phase 3, criteria within the local health department’s jurisdiction must be met for at least two consecutive weeks, including:
-A decrease in the number of COVID-19 cases per 100,000 residents over a two-week period; and
-A positivity rate of 15% or less for new COVID-19 tests performed over a two-week period.
The timeline for Phase 3
Kansas Governor Laura Kelly said the state will begin to reopen businesses in three phases.
The first phase began on May 4 with some restrictions being lifted on retail stores, bars, and restaurants. The state also allowed reopening of fitness centers, pools, and movie theaters at reduced capacity.
The second phase is set to begin on May 18 and will allow all businesses to reopen at 50% capacity, while still following social distancing guidelines.
The timeline for Phase 3 has not been announced yet, but Kelly said it will happen “when the data tells us it is safe.”
What will change in Phase 3?
Kansas is currently in Phase 2 of reopening. Phase 3 will allow for more economic and social activity while still implementing some mitigation strategies. The date of Phase 3 has not yet been determined, as it will be based on the state’s progress in meeting the gating criteria. So, what will change in Phase 3?
The changes for businesses
– Child Care: All licensed child care providers may operate at up to 100% capacity with enhanced health and safety protocols.
– Dine-in Restaurants and Bars: Dine-in service at restaurants and bars will be allowed at up to 50% capacity, with a maximum of 150 people per establishment. Table size will be limited to eight people. Outdoor dining is encouraged.
– Fitness Centers, Gyms, and Pools: Fitness centers, gyms, and pools may operate at up to 50% capacity with enhanced health and safety protocols.
– Movie Theaters: Movie theaters may operate at up to 50% capacity with a maximum of 150 people per theater. Only every other row should be utilized, and groups should be spaced six feet apart.
– Personal Services (including hair salons, barber shops, nail salons): Personal services (including hair salons, barber shops, nail salons) may operate at up to 50% capacity with enhanced health and safety protocols.
The changes for individuals
In Phase 3, gathering limits will be based on the size of the venue. For example, a restaurant that can seat 100 people would be allowed to have 50% capacity, or 50 people. The limit for offices will increase from 10 people to 30 people.
What does Phase 3 mean for the future?
Kansas is currently inPhase 2 of the Reopen Kansas plan. The state will advance to Phase 3 of the plan when the following metrics have been met for two consecutive weeks:
The impact on the economy
The announcement of a potential third phase is good news for business owners, who have been struggling to keep their doors open during the pandemic. While the details of what Phase 3 will entail are still being finalized, it is clear that there will be some changes to the way businesses operate.
One of the biggest changes will be the lifting of the 50 percent capacity limit that has been in place since Phase 2 began. This will allow businesses to increase their sales and potentially hire more staff. Additionally, some restrictions on outdoor gatherings will be lifted, which will allow for more events and activities to take place.
The announcement of Phase 3 comes as a relief to many business owners, who have been struggling to stay afloat during the pandemic. With the lifting of some restrictions, they will finally be able to increase their sales and begin to recover from the financial losses they have incurred over the past few months.
The impact on society
The move to Phase 3 would be a significant change for the state of Kansas. It would mean that many more businesses and activities would be allowed to reopen, with some restrictions in place. This would have a significant impact on society, both in terms of the economy and people’s daily lives.
There are some concerns that moving to Phase 3 too soon could lead to a resurgence of the virus, as has happened in other states. However, officials believe that the state is ready to move to the next phase.
