Gov. Laura Kelly announced Kansans will be required to wear masks in public places.
Kelly made the announcement during a press conference on Monday. Starting Friday at 12:01 a.m., all residents in the state will be required to wear a mask where six feet social distancing cannot be achieved. This includes both indoor and outdoor areas. The mandate is contingent on approval by the State Finance Council per an agreement made during a special legislative session earlier this month.
Kelly says wearing masks is not only safe, but necessary to avoid a shutdown. Clusters of outbreaks across the state are not occurring in businesses where masks are being worn, such as barbershops, hair salons, or dental offices.
“Remember; your mask protects me, and my mask protects you. If we want a healthy Kansas economy, we need healthy businesses and healthy Kansans,” says Kelly.
This mandate does not change where people can go or do, just that residents must wear a mask while around other people in a public place. Kelly says the mandate is scheduled for Friday to give businesses time make any adjustments.
“When the pandemic first hit, there was mixed messaging about masks. Now, the evidence could not be more clear,” says Kelly
More specific guidelines will be released on Thursday.
Along with the mandate, South Carolina and Florida were added to the state’s quarantine list. Kansas residents who visit these states are being asked to quarantine for two weeks.
