Gov. Laura Kelly mandates mask use in public spaces

Beginning Friday, Kansans in public spaces where social distancing cannot be maintained will be required to wear masks. Gov. Laura Kelly announced at a news conference Monday she plans to sign an executive order this week that would mandate mask use in public spaces statewide. She said the order would go into effect at 12:01 a.m. Friday, in advance of the Fourth of July weekend. “If we want a healthy Kansas economy, we need healthy businesses and healthy Kansans,” Kelly said. “Therefore, I’m announcing that beginning 12:01 a.m. July 3 every Kansan in a public space must wear a mask. “This doesn’t change where you can go or what you can do. It just means if you’re around other people, you must wear a mask.” Kelly said enforcement should occur at the local level, and she encouraged city and county officials to take the order seriously.