https://www.kmbc.com/article/kansas-gov-laura-kelly-issues-statewide-face-mask-mandate/33003505
Updated: 10:18 PM CDT Jun 29, 2020
Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly announces statewide face mask mandate
Order takes effect at 12:01 a.m. Friday
KANSAS CITY, Mo. —
Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly announced Monday that she will issue a statewide order requiring Kansans to wear face masks in indoor spaces.
The requirement takes effect at 12:01 a.m. Friday.
"Every Kansan in a public space must wear a mask," the governor said. "This doesn't change where you can go or what you can do. It just means that if you're around other people, you must wear a mask."
Kelly said the number of cases of COVID-19 continue to increase and the face mask requirement will help slow the spread of the virus.
The governor said the executive order would be released Thursday, as well as guidance on the mandate.
Kansas Senate President Susan Wagle released a statement:
"Once again, a one size fits all order doesn't work for our diverse state. 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."