The first phase for reopening businesses in Riley, Geary and Pottawatomie County includes limited dine-in seating at restaurants, reopening of retail stores and libraries.
Four-phased plans were unveiled Friday evening by health officers Julie Gibbs (Riley Co.) and Lisa Kenworthy (Pottawatomie Co.) and Tammy A Von Busch (Geary Co.).
Phase one begins Monday and allows restaurants in both counties to reopen their dining rooms with a maximum 50 percent capacity, based on fire code and tables must be set six feet apart. No buffet, salad bar, or self-serve, unpackaged food is allowed. No waiting areas within the facilities are permitted where customers would gather and restaurants must offer disposable menus only. All dine-in seating will close no later than 10 p.m. nightly.
Bars, nightclubs and clubhouses remain closed in the first phase, although some exceptions are granted to some with food licenses.
Local child care providers also must continue to follow the same guidelines issued as part of the Stay Home Order, limiting the number of children to stable groups of 10 and performing temperature checks.
Retailers and libraries are allowed to reopen Monday. Phase one will conclude May 18.
Large gatherings are still capped at 10 people. Gyms and fitness centers, barber shops and salons, tattoo and massage parlors, community centers, large venues, fairs, graduations, pools, organized sports, summer camps and educational facilities remain closed. Many of those will be allowed to reopen by mid-May or early June.
Starting next week, any questions relating to specific requirements for businesses should be directed to the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce’s Q&A hotline (785) 776-8829, which will be staffed Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Questions may also be emailed to the Chamber at info@manhattan.org.
Riley, Pottawatomie and Geary County public health orders are listed below:
RC Health Order No 7 Re-Opening Plan Pott County_202005011640312943 Geary County Reopening Phases
