Given the increased presence of the COVID-19 delta variant and new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention earlier this week, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly is now changing statewide policy when it comes to mask usage.
Governor Kelly says the state will follow the CDC’s guidance on masks, meaning state employees will need to wear masks at work if they cannot social distance, regardless of vaccination status. Anybody using state facilities will need to mask up, again regardless of vaccination status. The new policies begin Monday.
During a news conference Tuesday, Governor Kelly said this is a step that could have been avoided.
The governor cited statistics from the CDC, which says the delta variant can cause patients to have as much as 1,000 times the viral load as the original or wild version. She also noted the CDC’s recommendation, which calls for mask use in areas with high or substantial transmission — which currently includes Lyon County, all surrounding counties and most of the eastern half of Kansas.
Guidance for schools is coming later this week. Governor Kelly says the state is “standing by” with guidance, support and tools for districts that need help. She encouraged residents to get vaccinated as soon as possible to slow down the spread of COVID-19.
