After a weekend with students flooding Aggieville bars and restaurants, Riley County Health Department Director Julie Gibbs is hinting at more possible restrictions to protect public health, including closures.
Local health order No. 17 restricts mass gatherings to 50 or fewer unless approved through an application process in writing 14 days prior through the health department. Any person violating any provision of local health orders or failing to comply with the requirements faces a fine of up to $100 if convicted for each offense.
Gibbs says she’s working with the Riley County Police Department to address violations. She says violators may be subject to a specific health order banning future gatherings at that location and may include criminal penalties. She also says businesses can be closed if deemed necessary to protect public health.
“It is disappointing to see people in the community make choices without regard for the safety of others,” said Gibbs. “Most business owners have been following guidelines and doing everything in their power to slow the spread of the virus. Those that haven’t will face action, which can include closure. Some communities in Kansas have closed bars and nightclubs. I hope we don’t get to that point, but closing certain categories of business is one of the options available.”
RCPD issued its first citation for a mask violation Thursday citing a 30-year-old woman in O’Malley’s in Aggieville. Since July 7, masks have been required in all Manhattan businesses as well as public spaces where six-feet physical distancing cannot be achieved.
Gibbs noted in a release Saturday that the more an individual interacts with others, the higher their risk of exposure and spread of COVID-19 is. That risk of spread increases in a restaurant or bar setting. In Riley County, 27 percent of all positive cases have been linked to bars and restaurants, including more than 70 employees.
To report complaints about health violations, contact the Riley County Health Department at rileycountycovid@gmail.com or the information hotline at 785-587-4526. Complaints requiring investigation will be forwarded to RCPD. To send a complaint about mask violations in the City of Manhattan, email masks@rileycountypolice.org.
