Lacey Cruse: Sedgwick County should take thoughtful approach to reopening

As a representative of more than 100,000 people in Sedgwick County, I want to express my gratitude to all of our healthcare workers, front-line workers, county staff, and especially our community for your diligent work in keeping our community safe during these challenging times.

It is your work that has helped limit the spread of COVID-19 in Sedgwick County, and allowed us to begin to reopen our local economy.

The past few months have been difficult as work, schools, and places of worship have all been disrupted. We’ve lost too many lives and have seen too many people struggle to survive the effects of this new virus to let our guard down now.

As we begin to reopen the county, I want to reiterate that this fight is long from over and the virus is still in our community without a vaccine. As we continue to monitor the coronavirus cases in Sedgwick County, we must continue healthy behaviors and look to the places outside our homes to take safety precautions.

On May 26, Gov. Laura Kelly provided her Ad Astra plan as guidance to counties and delegated the authority to counties on setting any restrictions for business activities. Following this action, the Board of County Commissioners held a special meeting on May 27. At this meeting, commissioners voted to not impose additional limits, but continue to adhere to the phases and guidance in the Ad Astra plan for reopening our community.

Additionally, the board further defined public gatherings as persons commonly known to one another to allow groups of 20 rather than 15 during Phase 2 of the governor’s plan, which will expire at midnight on June 7. As we move toward this reopening, we will continue to closely monitor Sedgwick County coronavirus cases, deaths and hospitalizations.

It is important to take a thoughtful approach as we try to enjoy some normalcy in our lives. Especially concerning during this pandemic are the incidents of domestic violence, child abuse, suicide, and drug and alcohol abuse. Each is a major tragedy for our community.

Now, we all have a role to play in staying safe for our family, friends, and neighbors. The message remains: Wash your hands. Social distance. Wear a mask.

We are in this together.

This story was originally published May 30, 2020 at 3:00 AM.