By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
Law enforcement officers in Hays will view violations of Gov. Laura Kelly's stay-at-home executive order as an opportunity to educate, according to Collin Bielser, assistant city manager.
"It's a state directive," Bielser said. "The spirit and intent is to stay home as much as possible.
"Our emphasis will be education at this point."
Kansas law enforcement officers have the authority to enforce all executive orders the same as any other law, according to information provided by Ellis County Attorney Tom Drees (below).
"If they (Hays police officers) see something that is not in adherence to 10-person or 6-feet (rules, it will be just an educational reminder of we're in this executive order," Bielser said. "We ask you make sure you're adhering to those distances."
Kelly's Executive Order 20-16 was issued March 30 and is in effect through April 19, although it could be extended or lifted early.
In general, Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler said he is pleased with the community efforts so far.
"We are halfway through the second week of the statewide stay-at-home order," he said. "I want to say thank you to the community. Everybody has been super. Their cooperation has been amazing. I'm grateful for them working with us through this process."
As a stopping point between the COVID-19 hot spots of Kansas City and Denver, he is surprised a case has not been confirmed in Hays.
Keeping it that way, he said, means everyone needs to continue their efforts.
"It's important for us to continue those things that have gotten us this far," Scheibler said.
He said, some complaints and concerns have been addressed about people gathering, but their efforts have centered around education and keeping the community safe.
"From the word go the Hays community has stepped up, took responsibility for this and we have done really well," Scheibler said.
The city shut down playground equipment in its parks on March 31.
Athletic fields and courts remain open, Bielser noted.
"Someone could go play basketball ... or something like that. We encourage they adhere to the CDC guidelines for parks which is the proper practices of limit of 10 people remaining at least 6 feet apart," Bielser said.
The police department is also continuing its social distancing practices.
They are also asking health-related questions as they interact with the public.
"I want the community to understand it may be uncomfortable answering those questions, he said but it is uncomfortable for the staff as well.
"This is an effort to protect our community," Scheibler said.
Hays Post reporters James Bell and Jonathan Zweygardt contributed to this story.
