Wondering what the face mask rules are in Kansas? Keep reading and learn when and wear you need to stay covered.
Keep Everyone Safe: Cover Your Face
It’s an act of kindness when you wear a face mask, like the n95 mask, in public. You are telling people that you don’t want to spread your germs to them on accident (because COVID could be spread without you even having any symptoms).
Here is what I found out about face masks and the rules in Kansas.
Kansas Face Masks
On the 3rd of July 2020, an executive order by Governor Laura Kelly of Kansas State instituted the compulsory use of face masks.
This meant that when at Kansas shops, restaurants, and basically any situation in which social distancing of 6 feet cannot be maintained, a face mask must be worn.
Irrespective of one’s opinion on face masks, it is a scientifically backed safety measure that is designed to limit the spread of coronavirus and bring some level of normalcy back to the state.
Kansas has been hit hard by COVID-19
There’s no denying that Kansas state has been hit hard by COVID-19.
The number of confirmed cases is only a whisker away from 60,000. They’re not only one of the worst affected states in the country, but they’re also one of the worst affected regions in the world.
Numerous medical experts have already stated the importance of wearing face masks, and after taking the rising number of confirmed cases into consideration, it’s no surprise that the Kansas Governor instituted the executive order for their compulsory use.
The rules
Here is a summary of the rules outlined in the 10-part executive order.
Individuals
For individuals, the executive order states that you must wear a face mask while:
- Inside, or in line to enter, any indoor public space.
- Waiting for or riding public transport, taxis, private car services, or ride-sharing vehicles.
- Outdoors in public spaces and unable to maintain a 6-foot distance between individuals (not including individuals who reside together), with only infrequent or incidental moments of closer proximity.
Businesses
For businesses, the executive order states that a face mask should be used while:
- Employees are working in any space visited by customers, regardless of whether anyone from the public is present at the time.
- Employees are working in any space where food is prepared, packaged for sale or distributed.
- Employees are working in or walking through common areas such as hallways, stairways, elevators, and parking facilities.
- Employees are in any room or enclosed areas where other people (except for individuals who reside together) are present and are unable to maintain a 6-foot distance, with only infrequent or incidental moments of closer proximity.
- Customers are in a facility managed by the business or organization.
Face mask options for Kansas residents
Face masks don’t have to be boring, plain white surgical masks. There is a huge variety of different options, types, colors, prints and styles to choose from; some of which we’ve listed below.
Face mask types:
- Surgical masks
- Nice earloop face masks
- Bandanas
- Headbands
- Scarves
The importance of face masks
If people within the state comply with the executive order, it will greatly increase the chances of returning to something resembling pre-pandemic normal life.
Consider activities like social recreation. Things like children’s sport or group fitness that were such a normal part of life, are so heavily dependent on how well the state’s population responds to the executive order.
Not only is the health of the population at stake, but people’s economic livelihoods are too. Small businesses that were already struggling in today’s climate are being tipped over the edge by the coronavirus pandemic.
By complying with the executive order to wear face masks, Kansas can get back on its feet and start its road to recovery.
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