Kansas Businesses Ask Governor Not To Release Locations of COVID-19 Cases

A coalition of Kansas businesses on Wednesday sent a letter to Governor Laura Kelly asking her not to move forward with her administration's plans to release the names of businesses and locations with active cases of COVID-19.

"We are unsure what the benefit of this disclosure offers, other than a public shaming of businesses where an outbreak occurs," said Kansas Chamber President and CEO Alan Cobb. "That said, we are curious what legal basis or authority exists for the state to adopt this policy and whether the governor and her administration have considered any possible legal ramifications against either the state or a business impacted by this policy decision. We have seen Kansas businesses go above and beyond the call to protect their employees, customers, and Kansans during the last five months."

Associated General Contractors of Kansas, Kansas Livestock Association, Kansas Bankers Association, National Federation of Independent Businesses, The Builders Association and Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce joined the Kansas Chamber on the letter to the governor. They represent thousands of Kansas businesses of all sizes and industries, located across the state.

"Kansas businesses are committed to safely reopening and are doing what they can to stop the spread of the virus. It is vital to the health and safety of their employees and customers - and to their survival," Cobb said. "Rather than public shaming businesses, some who are barely able to keep their doors open because of COVID-19 related restrictions, the governor and her administration should focus their energies on our state's economic recovery and what they can do to help businesses stay open. In times of crises, Kansans work together. They don't tear down others." 

Click here to read the letter sent to the governor.