Unified Command urges voluntary compliance with Stay at Home order

Unified Command leaders continue to strongly encourage voluntary compliance with the Kansas Governor’s Stay at Home order.

“We hope that all residents do their part to help prevent spread of COVID-19 in our community by adhering to the order and staying home unless performing an essential activity,” Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health Director Dan Partridge said. “We firmly believe voluntary compliance is vital and key to the health of our residents.”

Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health is working closely with the other agencies in Unified Command — LMH Health, Douglas County and City of Lawrence — in addition to law enforcement agencies. These agencies include the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and police departments for the City of Lawrence, University of Kansas, Baldwin City and Eudora.

If employees have concerns about social distancing practices at their workplaces, Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health suggests that they work with their employers. Public Health is available for consultation about social distancing practices and can be contacted by calling 785-856-4343 or emailing phorders@ldchealth.org.

If citizens are not following the rules and practices outlined in the Governor’s order, including social distancing, law enforcement will attempt to secure voluntary compliance. If there is a danger to the public, or flagrant or repeated violations of the order, law enforcement is prepared to enforce the order.

Kansas Statute 48-939 outlines the violation of an executive order. Individuals will be subject to a Class A misdemeanor, can be arrested and may be prosecuted. Penalties for violations of K.S.A. 48-939 are a fine of up to $2,500 and one year in jail. Violation of additional statutes and ordinances may be applicable to a specific situation, such as unlawful assembly, interference with a law enforcement action and various public nuisance laws.

If citizens are concerned with violations of the order, they can contact the non-emergency number for the Douglas County Emergency Communications Center at 785-843-0250.