Mask requirement to begin Friday for Kansas

An increase in new cases in the bi-state region and across other areas of the U.S. has resulted in a statewide mask policy for Kansans following similar announcements from Kansas City, Mo. and Douglas County.

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly announced in a video Monday that the state will now require every person to wear a mask in public places where social distancing is not possible beginning Friday.

The marked escalation in Kansas’ strategy to slow the spread of COVID-19 came after the state confirmed over 900 new cases of the respiratory virus over the past weekend, reports Lawrence Journal-World.

During Monday’s video announcement Kelly stressed that mask wearing is currently the only method available to slow the virus spread in any meaningful way until a vaccine is readily available.

“Wearing a mask is not only safe, but it is necessary to avoid another shutdown,” Kelly said. “We are not seeing [outbreaks] in businesses where masks are worn. None at barber shops, hair salons or dentist offices.”

However, the mandate has resulted in some frustration from those in the state including Kansas Senate President Susan Wagle.

“Once again, a one size fits all order doesn’t work for our diverse state,” Wagle said in a released statement. “She’s inconsistent in her direction, one day giving authority to local government, and the next, taking it back, causing total confusion. This governor’s focus must remain on fixing our record-breaking budget shortfall rather than diverting attention away from the letter she received today from our attorney general stating that her budget plan violates Kansas statutes. Gov. Kelly should focus on doing her job managing her agencies and allow the local officials to do theirs.”

Kelly said the executive order would be released Thursday with guidance on the mandate. She also stated that enforcement of the policy will be up to county health departments and will remain at the local level.

“I know this is frustrating and you all want it to be over, but we’re still in it.” Kelly said, continuing to say that until a vaccine is manufactured and distributed, the only dense is social distancing, good hygiene, staying home when sick and wearing a mask.

As of Tuesday, Kansas has reported a total of 14,443 positive cases, 162,282 negative tests and 270 deaths statewide.