All Kansans will be required to wear a mask in public beginning Friday as a response to an increasing number of positive Covid-19 tests, Gov. Laura Kelly said Monday.
"Until a vaccine is widely manufactured and distributed, our only defense against Covid-19 is social distancing, maintaining proper hygiene, staying home when you're sick and wearing a mask," Kelly said during an announcement at the Kansas State Capitol.
Kansas reported 6.8% more confirmed cases Monday as compared to Friday [PDF]. Johnson County reported an 11.5% increase from Friday to Monday. Wyandotte and Leavenworth counties were up 8.8% and 1.4%, respectively. Six coronavirus deaths in Kansas have been reported since Friday.
Kelly said clusters of positive cases have been traced to where residents are not wearing masks, not in places such as barbershops and dentist offices.
Asked if she was concerned about Republican opposition to her executive order, which is expected Thursday, Kelly said national Republicans have more recently shown a willingness to promote mask-wearing. Vice President Mike Pence wore a mask at public events last week, and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) recently said it was a good idea.
"This is in the best interests of all Kansans, including all of their constituents," Kelly said of GOP leaders. "If they care about their safety and their well-being, and if they care about keeping their businesses in their districts open, they won't fight this one."
Kelly said enforcement of the order would be up to local law enforcement.