Wichita mayor announces phased-in approach to reopen city, local programs

Wichita Mayor Brandon Whipple announced Thursday the city's four-tier plan to reopen the city amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Whipple said city employees are preparing safety protocols, supplies, information and signage for city hall and other city buildings.

"We want to not only to get back to the services that people expect but also make sure that we are having extra emphasis on public safety," said Whipple.

The first three floors of City Hall will reopen May 26 in Phase 2 of the city's four-phase approach, said the mayor. Visitors will be asked to wear masks once inside. Temperature checks will be optional.

"We're trying to limit access while also providing information throughout that common area that will allow people to get their business done in the safest manner possible," said the mayor.

He said city officials will constantly monitor and assess risks to the health and safety of employees and residents before making any changes during Phase 2, which runs until June 30.

Guidance on when things like dog parks, playgrounds, and museums will reopen will be shared on the city's social media pages and at

.

Phase 3 begins on July 1. Whipple said at that time, the city should be able to make more accurate assessments on how to further open more parts of the city.

Phase 4 would be a complete reopening of the city. Whipple said that would be when a vaccine or better treatments are available, or when the number of COVID-19 cases has "whittled down to a very small number."

"So Phase 4 would be a full reopening. That is something that we haven't put a date on yet because we want to make sure we can survey the situation at that point," said Whipple.

During this phased-in approach, Century II will open rooms 101A and 101B to provide a space for public comments during city council meetings. The city council meetings will be broadcast to the rooms and comments can be made in realtime.

The mayor said the rooms allow for social distancing, and everyone who attends will be given a mask. Residents will need to park in Century II's metered parking lot and enter by the jester statue.

Residents with a question or comment relevant to agenda items may participate by emailing comments or questions to councilmeeting@wichita.gov by 8 a.m. the morning city council meeting or call 316-268-4482.

"I want to give somewhat of a caution. This is the plan as it is today, but we all know that the virus makes the timeline, and we all know that things could change," said Whipple. "If reactions within our community to this virus, if we have another bump in cases or anything else happens, we'll make changes to this as appropriate, in order to keep the safety and health of our citizens as our top priority."