KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansans will now be required to wear a mask while in public spaces and where social distancing is not possible.
Gov. Laura Kelly signed the executive order requiring masks on Thursday.
Kelly first made the announcement on Monday.
The order goes into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Friday and will remain in place until it is rescinded or the State of Disaster Emergency expires.
“The last few months have presented many new challenges for Kansans, and all of us want to return to our normal lives and routines,” Kelly said in a release. “Unfortunately, we have seen a spike in the number of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths across our state and our country. We must act. Viruses don’t stop at county lines. This order doesn’t change where you can go or what you can do. But wearing a mask is a simple and effective way to keep Kansans healthy and keep Kansas open for business.”
Under the order, workplaces are considered public spaces.
Children under five and those with medical conditions are exempt from the order.
