No-Cost COVID-19 Testing
SCHD offers no-cost COVID-19 testing for Sedgwick County residents who would like to be tested. This includes people with or without COVID-19 symptoms and is available through SCHD by calling (316) 660-1022 to schedule an appointment. For more testing locations or mobile outreach testing options, see: https://www.sedgwickcounty.org/covid-19/testing-information.
COVID-19 Vaccine Survey
SCHD is planning for COVID-19 vaccine distribution. Residents in south-central Kansas, including Sedgwick County, are asked to complete an anonymous survey. This voluntary, on-line survey will take five to ten minutes to complete and is available at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SCKCOVID19.
Survey responses will help SCHD estimate how many people will get a COVID-19 vaccine when one becomes available and inform understanding of the factors influencing survey respondents’ decisions whether or not to obtain a vaccine. The survey does not collect identifiable information. Respondents may address questions or concerns by contacting Elizabeth Ablah, PhD, MPH at eablah@kumc.edu. For questions about the rights of research participants, please contact the KUMC Institutional Review Board (IRB) at 913-588-1240.
More information about the COVID-19 vaccine in Sedgwick County is available at: https://www.sedgwickcounty.org/covid-19/vaccine-information/.
COVID-19 Resources and Information
The Sedgwick County COVID-19 Resource website features frequent updates, including CARES funding, COVID-19 dashboard and metrics, available at: https://www.sedgwickcounty.org/covid-19/. The amended Local Health Order and Frequently Asked Local Health Order Questions are attached and available to view at: https://www.sedgwickcounty.org/covid-19/local-orders/. Relevant questions and answers appear below:
Can a venue that holds more than 2,000 remain open and hold events?
As of November 16, 2020, Local Health Officer Dr. Minns is not considering any events with a capacity larger than 100 total attendees (example: to include vendors, orchestra, or staff).
Can nail salons, barber shops, hair salons, and similar personal services remain open?
Yes. Appointments should be pre-scheduled.
Can fitness centers and health clubs remain open?
Yes, subject to the public gatherings limitations in the order (100 total people or 50 percent of the fire code capacity, while complying with requirements regarding 6 feet of social distancing). Guests should maintain at least 6 feet of distance between themselves and others. Common touch points (i.e. benches, seating, lockers) must be frequently cleaned.
Are bars and nightclubs open to the public?
Yes. Bars, night clubs, and any other businesses licensed to sell alcohol for on-premises consumption must abide by a curfew and close by 11 p.m. They may open at 5 a.m. unless state or local law requires them to open later.
They must also limit their total capacity to 100 total people or 50 percent of the fire code capacity, whichever is less. These establishments must limit guests to eight people per table, regardless of family and maintain six feet of distance in all directions around the table and those individuals seated at such table.
Are restaurants open to the public?
Yes. Restaurants licensed to sell alcohol for on-premises consumption must abide by a curfew and close by 11 p.m. All restaurants must close in-person dining areas by 11 p.m. but may continue curbside, carry-out, drive-through, and delivery services. They may reopen for in-person dining at 5 a.m.
They must also limit their total capacity to 100 total people or 50 percent of the fire code capacity, whichever is less. These establishments must limit guests to eight people per table, regardless of family and maintain six feet of distance in all directions.
Are swimming pools open to the public?
Yes, swimming pools are allowed to be open.
Are malls open to the public?
Yes. Businesses are required to ensure that their patrons comply with the order.
Are bowling alleys open to the public?
Yes. Businesses are required to ensure that their patrons comply with the order. Guests should maintain at least 6 feet of distance between groups of customers.
What are the consequences for not following the Order?
On and after November 18, 2020, within the unincorporated area of Sedgwick County and any cities that have consented to this Order applying within their city limits, violations of this order can be prosecuted pursuant to a resolution the Board of County Commissioners approved on November 10, 2020. The maximum fine for any single violation would be a $500 fine and $20 court costs.
Businesses, other organizations, and individuals may forfeit immunity from COVID-19 claims they might otherwise be entitled to under Kansas law if they fail to substantially comply with the order. This could also impact the insurance coverage for any such claims. Businesses and other organizations are encouraged to consult with their own legal counsel for potential ramifications of noncompliance.
Does my business have to comply with this Order?
Yes. This order applies to individuals and businesses alike. Businesses are required to ensure that their patrons comply with the order.
Sedgwick County Health Department appreciates all you do to reduce the spread of disease and help keep community residents safe. Please feel free to contact me for assistance.
Sincerely,
Lindsey Rasmussen, MPH | COVID-19 Communications Health Educator | Sedgwick County Health Department
p: (316) 383-4550 | lindsey.rasmussen@sedgwick.gov
1900 E 9th St | Wichita, KS 67214 | www.sedgwickcounty.org
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