How counties in northeast Kansas are following Governor Kelly’s mask order
(KSNT) – Governor Laura Kelly released guidelines Thursday on a new policy requiring most Kansans to wear a mask in public when social distancing is not an option.
Here’s a breakdown of how counties in our viewing area are following the order:
Clay County
At the county commission meeting Wednesday, commissioners said they believe in the value of wearing a face mask, but won’t make it mandatory. They ask people still continue to practice social distancing.
Coffey County
The Coffey County Health Department announced Thursday it highly recommends people wear a mask or other face covering as described in the governor’s executive order. Health officials said it won’t mandate this.
Geary County
The Geary County Health Department said it’s recommending masks be worn in public to protect the vulnerable population and to prevent a massive outbreak. The health department said the county is not mandating the use of masks.
Jackson County
Jackson County Commissioners signed a resolution Thursday modifying the governor’s executive order. The county has instead made wearing a mask in places where people can’t keep six feet from others a strong recommendation.
Jefferson County
Jefferson County commissioners said it would not mandate masks, but would strongly recommend that people wear masks in public places where they’re unable to socially distance.
Marshall County
The Marshall County Health Department said as of Friday, it will follow the governor’s executive order as written until it’s modified or adjusted by the board of County Commissioners.
Morris County
Morris County commissioners said Thursday it adopted a resolution, exempting the county from the governor’s executive order. The commission said although it’s not mandated, it’s still highly recommended people wear masks when in large groups or public places where social distancing isn’t possible.
Nemaha County
The Nemaha County Commissioners said the county won’t follow the governor’s executive order, but issued a public health order Thursday, strongly recommended face masks when out in public.
Osage County
Osage County officials said the county has chose to exempt itself from the governor’s executive order. You can see the county’s order here.
Pottawatomie County
The Pottawatomie County Commission passed a health order Thursday, opting the county out of the governor’s executive order. However, the local health officer strongly recommends people wear masks when social distancing can’t be maintained.
Riley County
Masks will be temporarily required in Riley County starting Friday, county commissioners decided.
County officials said they’re following Governor Kelly’s executive order.
Shawnee County
The Shawnee County Commission rejected Kelly’s mask order during its Thursday meeting. Officials are now drafting a new mask policy based on the recommendations outlined in the governor’s original order.
Wabaunsee County
The Wabaunsee County Health Department said it’s voted to not accept the orders, but do recommend the use of masks when people are unable to maintain six feet distance.
Washington County
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office said the county adopted a resolution Thursday, opting the county out of the governor’s executive order. However, the county still recommends the usage of masks.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more counties release their plans.
Attorney General Derek Schmidt said no one can be arrested for not following the governor’s mask order, but prosecutors can sue them if they want.