Kansas Governor Laura Kelly on March 24 issued an executive order that details the Kansas Essential Functions Framework (KEFF) that counties will be required to use if local officials determine it is necessary to issue stay-at-home orders. Douglas County Health Officer Dr. Thomas Marcellino issued such an order that took effect on March 24.
Stay-at-home orders require that residents not leave their homes unless they are engaged in activities that are essential to the health and safety of themselves, family members or friends. Essential activities include, but are not limited to seeking medical attention, purchasing food or filling up gas tanks. The Douglas County order did include a list of exemptions to define essential businesses or services that could remain open.
According to the Governor’s Office, KEFF was developed with reference to national critical function guidelines established for pandemic and other disaster response efforts and provides information on how to limit sustained personal interaction while providing for the continuation of essential infrastructure and businesses. If a local authority has issued a stay-home or similar order, businesses or organizations that fit a KEFF exemption for essential functions should contact that local authority.
“These actions will ensure as much consistency as possible as local communities make their decisions around these increased protections for residents,” the Governor said.
Due to the Governor’s order, any company or organization in Douglas County that believes it was not granted exemption under the Douglas County Stay-at-Home order, can provide a brief explanation to Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health to establish that it performs these functions. Companies or organizations can email their request to info@ldchealth.org.
Kansas Essential Function Framework
Connect
1. Operate Core Information Technology Networks
2. Provide Cable Access Network Services
3. Provide Internet Based Content Information and Communication Services
4. Provide Internet Routing, Access, and Connection Services
5. Provide Positioning, Navigation, and Timing Services
6. Provide Radio Broadcast Access Network Services (includes Traditional Television)
7. Provide Satellite Access Network Services
8. Provide Wireless Access Network Services
9. Provide Wireline Access Network Services
Distribute
1. Distribute Electricity
2. Maintain Supply Chains for Essential Functions and Critical Infrastructure (as defined by DHS)
3. Transmit Electricity
4. Transport Cargo and Passengers by Air
5. Transport Cargo and Passengers by Rail
6. Transport Cargo and Passengers by Road
7. Transport Cargo and Passengers by Vessel
8. Transport Materials by Pipeline
9. Transport Passengers by Mass Transit
Manage
1. Conduct Elections
2. Operate Media Outlets
3. Develop and Maintain Public Works and Services
4. Educate and Train Essential Functions Personnel
5. Enforce Law
6. Maintain Access to Medical Records
7. Manage Hazardous Materials and Waste
8. Manage Wastewater
9. Operate Government
10. Perform Cyber Incident Management Capabilities
11. Prepare for and Manage Emergencies
12. Preserve Constitutional Rights
13. Protect Sensitive Information
14. Provide and Maintain Critical Infrastructure
15. Provide Capital Markets and Investment Activities
16. Provide Consumer and Commercial Banking Services
17. Provide Funding and Liquidity Services
18. Provide Identity Management and Associated Trust Support Services
19. Provide Insurance Services
20. Provide Medical Care and Services, Including Mortuary Services
21. Provide Payment, Clearing and Settlement Services
22. Provide Public Safety
23. Provide Wholesale Funding
24. Store Fuel and Maintain Reserves
25. Support Community Health and Mental Health Services
Supply
1. Exploration and Extraction of Fuels
2. Fuel Refining and Processing Fuels
3. Generate Electricity
4. Manufacture Equipment Used for Essential Functions or Critical Infrastructure (as defined by DHS)
5. Produce and Provide Agricultural Products and Services
6. Produce and Provide Human and Animal Food Products and Services
7. Produce Chemicals
8. Provide Metals and Materials
9. Provide Housing
10. Provide Information Technology Products and Services
11. Provide Materiel and Operational Support to Defense
12. Research and Development
13. Supply Water