Numerous counties across the state are now on board when it comes to mask use policies as Governor Laura Kelly’s new face covering protocol is now in effect.
Wednesday, the governor released a map of Kansas detailing the number of counties that have either opted into the protocol under Executive Order 20-68, created their own policies or have to do either. According to the map 22 jurisdictions have opted into the governor’s protocol while 36 have issued individual policies.
47 jurisdictions have not issued any order for mask use or opted into the governor’s protocol at this time. The governor stated in a social media post Wednesday, “these actions will no doubt help protect our economy and health care workers.” Still, Governor Kelly reminds residents it will take the efforts of each Kansan to ensure a reduction in the spread of coronavirus.
Earlier this week several area counties reached decisions on the subject. Chase and Wabaunsee counties voted to accept the governor’s protocol, which includes mask usage inside any public space or in line to go inside those spaces and mask use outdoors whenever social distancing can’t be maintained among other steps. Osage County, on the other hand, is “strongly” recommending mask use indoors and also outdoors when social distancing bubbles can’t be maintained.
Osage County says it recognizes the significance of face coverings in slowing down COVID-19, but it also says mandates are “inherently unenforceable at the county level.”
The city of Emporia and Lyon County had already issued mask ordinances well in advance of the governor’s new policy and were unaffected by the order.
