UPDATE: Face Coverings Mandatory In Kansas Beginning Friday.

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly is issuing an Executive Order, making  face coverings or masks mandatory in public settings statewide beginning Friday.

The mandate goes in to effect at 12:01 a.m. Friday, July 3 for the entire state of Kansas.

The governor said starting July 3, she will issue an Executive Order requiring masks be worn in indoor public spaces, and at any outdoor gathering in which social distancing cannot be maintained. This step will keep Kansans healthy, and keep Kansas open for business.

The order includes stores and shops, restaurants, and in any situation in which social distancing of 6 feet cannot be maintained.

“This is a simple, proactive step we can take to keep Kansans at work, get our kids back to school, and keep ourselves and our neighbors healthy,” Governor Kelly said. “Wearing a mask is not only safe – but it is necessary to avoid another shut down. Remember – my mask protects you, and your mask protects me,” Governor Kelly said. “We’re all in this together. I know Kansans will have many questions about this order – and we will answer them when it is released later this week,” Governor Kelly said. “But by announcing the requirement today, people in our state will have the appropriate time to acquire the masks.”

The Kansas Attorney General’s Office will work closely with officials in Governor Kelly’s administration to ensure that the order complies with Kansas law.