The Riley County Commission is proceeding with a new countywide mask mandate taking effect at 11:59 p.m. Tuesday.
The mandate, part of Local Health Order 19 requires face coverings or masks be worn over the mouth and nose in any public space in Riley County, defined as any indoor or outdoor space or area that is open to the public. This does not include private residential property or private offices or work spaces that are not open ot customers or public visitors. Masks are not required in outdoor public spaces if a distance of six feet can be maintained.
Riley County will not impose fines for mask violations. The City of Manhattan mask ordinance No. 7488 remains in effect for persons within city limits.
Mass gatherings remain capped at 50 people. All large gatherings or events with more than 50 are required to apply for an event permit through the Riley County Health Department.
During the Riley County commission meeting, Commissioners Ron Wells and Marvin Rodriguez were reluctant to approve a county wide mask mandate. Their main argument was that rural county residents are not the problem; Manhattan residents are.
Rodriguez says the mask enforcement in Manhattan is getting close to what was seen in pre-World War II Nazi Germany.
“Where if you didn’t obey what the Fuhrer wanted, you could be reported by your family, neighbors, and friends because you are not participating like the government says you should,” says Rodriguez. “This is just a small thing, but those develop into some big things if you are not careful.”
Rodriguez also says the letter they received from K-State President Richard Myers, asking the commission to implement a county wide mask mandate, was threatening.
