As part of her administration’s ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Laura Kelly today issued Executive Order #20-24, which extends the duration of the state’s Stay-At-Home order established in E.O. #20-16 to expire on midnight May 3.
“Cases of COVID-19 continue to increase and have spread to additional counties in Kansas. Extending the stay-home order will keep Kansans safe as we work to fight this pandemic,” the Governor said. “While we won’t be able to lift all restrictions on mass gatherings overnight, we will continue to develop mitigation efforts so Kansans, their families and businesses can plan for the future.”
The action was taken in collaboration with Governor Mike Parson of Missouri, as well as Kansas City metro leaders. The governor believes a regional approach will reduce confusion and help keep communities safe on both sides of the state line.
Governor Kelly also has been involved in discussion with Colorado Governor Jared Polis as a way to coordinate a plan for Western Kansas.
Between now and May 3, Governor Kelly also will consult with business leaders, health experts, economists and other industry and community leaders to determine the best path forward beyond that point, and re-open the Kansas economy safely and effectively.
The Kelly administration also will be highly focused on expanding testing capacity over the next two weeks so that rapid testing, contact tracing and isolation efforts can be used to prevent community spread and avoid overwhelming local healthcare providers.