Gov. Laura Kelly this afternoon announced a new mask mandate and other steps to slow the spread of COVID-19 and reduce hospitalizations and deaths.
The new steps are being taken as COVID-19 cases have risen dramatically in Kansas. Kansas reported an increase of 5,853 COVID-19 cases from Monday to Wednesday, according to statistics from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. There is a cumulative total of 128,594 cases. There were an additional 60 deaths reported on Wednesday, for a cumulative 1,326 deaths, according to the KDHE figures.
The mask mandate, to take effect 12:01 a.m. Nov. 25, includes an option for counties to tailor mask-wearing to their own communities’ needs. They would have one week to write and implement their own mask orders, or they would automatically be under the statewide order.
Counties that already have mask mandates, such as Wyandotte County, will keep their own rules, according to the governor.
Other parts of the new plan are community engagement conversations and a public health campaign, according to the governor.
“As COVID-19 continues to spread through Kansas communities and hospitalizations increase at concerning rates, it is clear we must take action to protect our communities and our economy,” Gov. Kelly said. “Today’s actions are a bipartisan package of recommendations from legislators, health professionals, and business leaders to increase participation in commonsense COVID-19 prevention practices.”
“My administration recognizes that each Kansas county is faced with unique challenges – and a one-size-fits-all approach can be difficult for some communities to navigate,” Gov. Kelly said. “The order allows local officials one week to craft and implement their own version of a face covering ordinance that works for them and their communities.”
Under the order, Kansans shall wear face coverings when inside public spaces, or in situations where physical distancing of 6 feet cannot be maintained. Guidance regarding specific locations or situations in which face coverings should be worn is outlined within the order.
Kansans under 5 years of age, those with medical conditions, and others outlined in the order are exempt from face covering protocol.
A Kansas law still remains in effect allowing county commissions to opt out of the governor’s emergency orders.
In addition to the face-covering protocol, the Kelly administration is partnering with The Leadership Center to mobilize its alumni base, which is nearly 12,000 strong, to mobilize and lead virtual non-partisan convenings across Kansas beginning the week of November 17 and concluding by late December. The project will dramatically increase the number of local leaders – pastors, coaches, neighborhood leaders, business owners, community officials, and others to use their influence to combat the virus.
This week, Gov. Kelly also approved CARES Act funding to assist a coalition of stakeholders including the Kansas Hospital Association, Kansas Chamber of Commerce, Kansas Farm Bureau, and others, to create a statewide public health campaign to begin next week. The campaign will encourage Kansans to follow the best practices, encourage voluntary testing, avoid mass gatherings, and use face-coverings.
The governor’s announcement Wednesday received support from the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and from U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids, D-3rd Dist.
Rep. Davids’ statement: “With coronavirus cases surging in Kansas and across the country, I commend Governor Kelly for taking proactive, common sense steps to help us get this virus under control and keep our communities safe. Wearing masks, social distancing and limiting gatherings are among the best tools we have to stop the spread of this virus before vaccines are distributed. It’s also how we keep our economy running and our kids in school. While it’s not always easy, especially during the holidays, we all need to do our part and follow public health guidelines right now.”
The Greater Kansas City Chamber’s statement: “The Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce supports Kansas Governor Laura Kelly’s decision to enforce mask-wearing in Kansas. Science has proven that masks work in reducing the spread of COVID-19. Data shows wearing a mask is the best way to support small businesses across our region. A reduced spread means businesses have a better chance of keeping their doors open. Frontline medical workers are dealing with a surge of new cases. Hospitals are running low on staff and ICU beds to treat those cases. We must all do our part to slow the spread and protect our community – especially our frontline medical workers.”
The new state mask order is at https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/EO-20-68-Face-Coverings-protocol-Executed-1.pdf.
The governor’s news conference is online at https://www.facebook.com/GovLauraKelly/videos/854182115434980.