(KAIR)--Kansas moves forward with its reopening plan, moving into what Governor Laura Kelly calls a modified phase 2 just days after phase 1.5 took effect.
Kelly, during a Statehouse news conference Tuesday afternoon unveiled her decision to implement phase 2, beginning Friday.

Kelly, during the conference, outlined what the plan means for Kansans, saying mass gatherings will be restricted to 15 people or fewer, all businesses and activities, except bars, nightclubs, and swimming pools, will be allowed to open, including theaters, bowling alleys, and other leisure centers. State owned casinos can also reopen, and organized sports tournaments and practices will be allowed to begin Friday, so long as guidelines are followed.

Kelly said that despite current virus trends allowing the next reopening phase, adhering to such strategies as social distancing and wearing masks are a must, citing an outbreak blamed on a gathering at Jefferson County’s Lake Perryas an example of community spread. “We know at gathering at Lake Perry, in the midst of the stay-at-home order led to a wave of sickness. At least 10 people fell ill, a number that’s expected to grow, and there are many others in quarantine.”

If virus trends continue to show positive signs, Kelly said the third reopening phase will take effect Monday, June 8.

The current phase, known as 1.5, was implemented Monday.

Kelly on Wednesday will visit the White House for a meeting with President Donald Trump.

Kelly addressed the trip following questions posed during Tuesday’s press conference, with the state’s phased reopening and statewide testing strategy, protecting America’s food supply chain, supporting Kansas’ farmers, and partnering to ensure the health and safety of food supply workers during the coronavirus pandemic, are all likely topics to be discussed during the White House visit.