KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly announced a statewide mask mandate Monday to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Beginning at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, July 3, every Kansas resident will be required to wear a mask in public places where 6 feet of social distancing is not possible.
That includes outdoor spaces, Kelly said.
“When the pandemic first hit, there was mixed messaging about masks," Kelly said. "Now, the evidence could not be more clear. Wearing a mask is not only safe, but it is necessary to avoid another shutdown."
Kelly said the order will not go into effect until Friday to give businesses time to adjust.
Additional guidance on the mandate will be released later this week.
Two more states also were added to Kansas’ quarantine list Monday: South Carolina and Florida.
Any Kansas resident who travels to those states beginning on Monday and moving forward is asked to quarantine for 14 days.
Kelly said the state saw more than 900 new COVID-19 cases over the weekend, including six more deaths.
Kelly said enforcement of the policy will be up to local officials. Counties can vote to not initiate the mandate.
