Because of the number of new COVID-19 cases in Shawnee County, local officials can’t guarantee the county will move to phase two of its reopening plan on May 18. That is the date presented in Gov. Laura Kelly’s statewide reopening plan, which was adopted by the county, with a few caveats, on May 1. In phase two, businesses such as casinos, theaters, museums, fitness centers, nail and hair salons, and bars and nightclubs would be allowed to reopen — but that may not happen as early as expected. According to Shawnee County health officer Gianfranco Pezzino, there was a “sharp increase” in new cases reported last week — double the number of new cases reported the week before, he said. “We are likely to end the week just about at the same level as where we were last week,” Pezzino said. “It was pretty bad last week, and it’s still pretty bad now.”
(Read more: Local – The Topeka Capital-Journal)
