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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ON AD ASTRA: A PLAN TO REOPEN
KANSAS
Last updated: 5/2/20
REOPENING QUESTIONS
When does the Reopening Plan go into effect?
• The Framework will reopen the Kansas economy in Phases. Throughout each Phase the Governor will
continue evaluating the state’s progress and, if appropriate, issue a new executive order moving the
statewide baseline to a new Phase. Phase One will begin May 4th. Phase Two will occur no sooner than
May 18, 2020. Phase Three will occur no sooner than June 1, 2020. A Phase Out will occur no sooner than
June 15, 2020. Once the state is in “Phase Out,” the Governor will issue additional guidelines to explain the
health metrics that will trigger an elimination of all statewide restrictions.
Where can I find a copy of the Reopening Plan?
• "Ad Astra: A Plan to Reopen Kansas” can be found here: https://covid.ks.gov/
• Visual .pdf here: https://covid.ks.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Reopen-Kansas-Exec-Summary043020.1.pdf
What is happening on May 4th?
• Governor Laura Kelly will lift the state-wide “safer-at-home” order and allow Kansas communities to begin
phased reopening by issuing a state-wide executive order (EO) to begin Phase One of the “Ad Astra: A Plan
to Reopen Kansas”.
ROLES & ENFORCEMENT QUESTIONS
What role do local authorities have during the reopening process?
• The State will set the regulatory baseline for Kansas local governments in each phase of this framework,
allowing local governments to retain the ability to impose additional restrictions that are in the best interest
of the health of their respective residents. Any specific guidelines not outlined in the Framework are the
jurisdiction of each local government. The state will not force communities to reopen.
Can local units of government be less restrictive than the Reopening Plan?
• Under Executive Order 20-29, local units of government cannot be less restrictive than the Governor’s plan.
They may not allow businesses or activities explicitly prohibited in each phase of the Governor's plan. The
Governor will issue another executive order to move the state’s regulatory baseline into Phase Two when
appropriate. Until then, local units of government may not move into Phase Two on their own.
What if my local government wants to use a different, more restrictive standard?
• Local governments do not have to apply or submit requests to the state to institute any equal or more
restrictive standards. Local governments that choose not to impose any additional restrictions are required
to operate within the regulatory baseline of the Governor’s EO for each phase.
How were decisions made about mass gatherings?
• Mass gathering limits for each phase were determined by considering the capacity of our public health
infrastructure and determining a measured, gradual approach for loosening restrictions. The Governor
reserves the right to loosen or strengthen these restrictions in subsequent phases based on the state’s health
progress.
If a function was listed as essential under Kansas Essential Functions Framework (KEFF), will it remain so?
• Local governments may decide whether an individual or organization performs an essential function under
the KEFF, but any individual or organization with confirmation from the State that it performed an
essential function is to remain deemed to perform an essential function.
Is this plan enforceable by law? Or just suggested guidelines for the counties? If enforceable - how will you
enforce it?
• All enforcement happens at the local level. I will issue an executive order making the mass gathering,
business, activity, and venue restrictions law for Phase One. It is a crime to violate the executive order, but
local law enforcement is encouraged to pursue compliance before using criminal enforcement measures.
If one county has a stricter stay-home order than the county you actually work in -- which rules do you follow?
• Follow the rules of the county you are in at that time.
Does the state move from phases together? What if one county is ready to move to Phase Three earlier than
another county?
• The State of Kansas will move from phase to phase as a state. Counties are able to impose equal or more
restrictive orders.
HEALTH METRIC QUESTIONS
What metrics are being used in the Reopening Plan?
• There are three health metrics being reviewed in the Reopening Plan to best assess the status of COVID-19
in a community.
• The three health metrics being used are as follows:
o Disease spread: Measures the number of new cases by date of symptom onset in comparison to the
respective state and county population.
o Hospitals: Number of new hospitalizations by date of admission.
o Deaths: Number of new deaths by date of death.
Where do I go to learn about my county’s COVID-19 health metrics?
• Here is a link to the county health officials in Kansas.
https://www.kdheks.gov/olrh/download/health_directory.pdf
Are there any basic health guidelines that we should be following?
• Throughout all the phases, Kansans should maintain social distancing, practice good hygiene, remain home
when sick, follow isolation and quarantine orders issued by state or local health officers, use cloth face
masks when leaving their homes, and continue to clean and disinfect surfaces. These are basic public health
guidelines that will slow the spread of this disease as we slowly re-open Kansas. Individuals are strongly
encouraged to resume seeking medical services while following safety guidelines issued by each respective
medical facility. Additional guidelines can be found in the plan, on the KDHE website, or on the CDC
website.
PHASE ONE QUESTIONS
How do I know if my business can open during Phase One?
• Local governments retain authority to impose equal or more stringent restrictions on businesses during this
phase, except as to essential functions in KEFF.
• All businesses not listed in the following list may open in Phase One if they can follow these business
restrictions:
o They can maintain at least 6 feet of distance between consumers (individuals or groups). Restaurants
or dining establishments may meet this requirement by using physical barriers sufficient to prevent
virus spread between seated customers or groups of seated customers.
o AND fundamental cleaning and public health practices are followed. Businesses should follow
industry-specific guidelines as provided on covid.ks.gov. Any additional best practices guidance
from each business sector is strongly encouraged.
o AND businesses must avoid any instances in which groups of more than 10 individuals are in one
location and are unable to consistently maintain 6 feet of distance with only infrequent or incidental
moments of closer proximity. This does not limit the total occupancy of a business, but requires that
businesses limit areas and instances in which consistent physical distancing cannot be maintained,
such as tables, entrances, lobbies, break rooms, check-out areas, etc.
• The following businesses do NOT open in this phase:
o Bars and night clubs, excluding already operating curbside and carryout services
o Casinos (non-tribal)
o Theaters, museums, and other indoor leisure spaces (trampoline parks, arcades, etc.)
o Fitness centers and gyms
o Nail salons, barber shops, hair salons, tanning salons, tattoo parlors and other personal service
businesses where close contact cannot be avoided
Can restaurants open on May 4th Under Phase One?
• Yes, as long as they follow the basic provisions outlined in the plan and Executive order 20-29:
o At least 6 feet of distance between consumers (individuals or groups). Restaurants or dining
establishments may meet this requirement by using physical barriers sufficient to prevent virus
spread between seated customers or groups of seated customers.
o AND fundamental cleaning and public health practices are followed. Businesses should follow
industry-specific guidelines as provided on covid.ks.gov. Any additional best practices guidance
from each business sector is strongly encouraged.
o AND businesses must avoid any instances in which groups of more than 10 individuals are in one
location and are unable to consistently maintain 6 feet of distance with only infrequent or incidental
moments of closer proximity. This does not limit the total occupancy of a business, but requires that
businesses limit areas and instances in which consistent physical distancing cannot be maintained,
such as tables, entrances, lobbies, break rooms, check-out areas, etc.
Can restaurants have more than 10 people at a time in Phase One?
• Yes, the Governor’s plan does not place occupancy limits on restaurants. They may have more than 10
individuals in their establishment as long as they continue to follow social distancing guidelines between
consumers (individual and group) AND limit areas and instances in which consistent physical distancing
cannot be maintained by groups of 10 or more individuals, such as tables, entrances, lobbies, break rooms,
check-out areas, etc.
• Local units of government may impose additional restrictions as they deem necessary to protect the health
of their communities.
Can I go to a restaurant Phase One with any additional nine people (friends, extended family, etc.)?
• Yes, you are not limited to only those that you reside with sitting at your table. You may have up to 9
people at your table as long as that table is more than 6 feet from all other tables.
Can restaurants seat up to 10 strangers together at a table, then another 10 at another table six feet away, and
so-on until the available spacing is used up?
• Restaurants should not seat 10 strangers at a table without at least 6 feet of distance between those
individuals. Executive Order 20-29 requires at least 6 feet of distance between consumers (individuals or
groups). For Phase One, groups are functionally defined as groups of 10 or fewer who are not strangers. The
public health reasoning is if groups of individuals know each other, it is easier to contact trace if there is an
outbreak. As with other business restrictions, local units of government may be more stringent.
What is the difference between bars and restaurants?
• Local units of government can make the distinction. There are many factors a local unit of government can
consider when making this decision, including licensing and functions of that business. If the establishment
is a bar and grill where bar seating is available and also serves food, they are allowed to operate as long as
they meet social distancing guidelines. Establishments that predominantly serve alcohol, especially those
with a dance floor, primarily standing room only spaces, etc., are not allowed to open in phase one. The
goal of this provision in Phase One is to further limit instances in which large groups of individuals,
especially strangers, stand, dance, congregate, etc. together without 6 feet of distance.
Are self-service options and buffets open under Phase One?
• Because the Governor’s plan does not explicitly allow or disallow these services, the decision is determined
by local governments. The Governor’s plan does however specifically prohibit concession stands at
organized sporting facilities until Phase 3 because they are often unregulated and run by volunteers, making
it difficult to adhere to fundamental public health guidelines.
Are libraries open in Phase One?
• Yes, libraries may open in Phase One as long as they adhere to social distancing and cleaning guidelines.
• Subject to further restriction by local units of government.
Can organized sports teams begin practicing in Phase One?
• No, organized sports team cannot begin practicing in Phase One. They may begin practicing in Phase Two,
at the same phase when organized sporting facilities are allowed. This does not prevent individuals from
engaging in outdoor activities as long as they can maintain social distancing (tennis, playing catch, etc.). The
goal of this provision is to limit the spread of disease by preventing large teams from congregating together
to play sports in which physical distancing is not possible.
• Subject to further restriction by local units of government.
Are parks and playground equipment open in Phase One?
• The State does not explicitly disallow playground equipment in Phase One. The decision to allow children
to use playground equipment will continue to be under the purview of local governments and/or the
organizations that may own this equipment. The State’s only restriction is that all businesses or facilities that
are allowed to operate must maintain social distancing and follow fundamental cleaning guidelines.
• Subject to further restriction by local units of government.
Is dirt track racing open in Phase One?
• No, these are open in Phase Two as they are considered an organized sporting facility.
• Subject to further restriction by local units of government.
Can churches have more than 10 people in a service at a time in Phase One?
• Yes, a church may have more than 10 people in a service at one time so long as individuals (not including
those who reside together) are more than 6 feet apart (except for infrequent or incidental instances of closer
proximity) and the church is following deep cleaning and other public health guidelines.
Are bowling allies open in Phase One?
• No. In Phase One, all indoor leisure spaces are not permitted to open, which includes bowling allies. These
facilities can open in Phase Two.
• Subject to further restriction by local units of government.
Is pet grooming open in Phase One?
• Yes, pet grooming is permitted in Phase One as long as they can follow social distancing guidelines and
business and cleaning guidance. Pet grooming is not a “personal service” and does not require close humanto-human contact.
• Subject to further restriction by local units of government.
Are wedding receptions permitted in Phase One?
• This depends on two factors: the venue in which the wedding reception is held AND the ability of that
reception to adhere to social distancing and mass gathering guidelines. For example, if a reception is held at
a large venue or a community center, it would not be allowed because those facilities are not allowed in
Phase One. Similarly, if a wedding reception cannot avoid instances in which groups of 10 or more
individuals are gathered together within 6-feet, it cannot occur. In other words, if a reception cannot
maintain social distancing guidelines, it cannot occur.
• Subject to further restriction at local levels.
Are golf courses open in Phase One?
• Golf courses continue to remain open in Phase One if individuals can practice social distancing guidance.
Golf tournaments are not open until Phase Two.
• Subject to further restriction at local levels.
Are public auctions open in Phase One?
• Yes, public auctions may open in Phase One as long as social distancing guidelines are maintained.
• Subject to further restriction at local levels.
Are rodeos open in Phase One?
• No, rodeos are not open in Phase One, but can open in Phase Two if they adhere to social distancing and
business guidance.
• Subject to further restriction at local levels.
Are funerals permitted in Phase One?
• Yes. Funerals may continue in Phase One but are subject to the same mass gathering restrictions as other
gatherings.
Can summer camps that are held in licensed childcare facilities operate before June 1st?
• Yes. Any summer camp that is a licensed child care facility is allowed to operate regardless of phase. In
every phase, licensed childcare facilities are unrestricted regardless of what form they take.
• Subject to further restriction by local units of government.