Following is information about what the counties in our area are doing concerning the governor's executive order pertaining to the wearing of face masks.
CLAY COUNTY
The Clay County commissioners voted Wednesday to not enforce the governor's executive order, citing a lack of resources for such enforcement. They did, however, make "the recommendation that businesses and citizens comply with the request to continue to social distance and to wear masks when that distance cannot be maintained," according to a post on the Clay County Kansas Emergency Management Facebook page.
CLOUD COUNTY
In a special meeting this morning, the Cloud County Commission exempted the county from the governor's executive order and instead approved a resolution that highly recommends the use of face masks or other coverings while in public places or where persons are not able to maintain six feet of social distancing.
DICKINSON COUNTY
Dickinson County has allowed the governor's executive order to go into effect, according to a post on the county's Facebook page.
ELLSWORTH COUNTY
On Thursday, the "Ellsworth County Commissioners passed a resolution that will exempt Ellsworth County from the requirement of masks in public. While masks will not be mandated for our county, please remember that private businesses/buildings do have the right to require the use of masks," according to a post on the Ellsworth County Health Department Facebook page.
JEWELL COUNTY
In a post on its Facebook page, the Jewell County Health Department wrote, "After reviewing the Governor’s Executive Order, the Jewell County Health Department strongly recommends that Jewell County residents continue practicing social distancing, washing your hands frequently, staying home when you’re sick, and wearing a mask in public when unable to social distance, if possible."
LINCOLN COUNTY
According to the Lincoln County Health Department, Lincoln County will not be enforcing the governor's executive order. In a post on its Facebook page, the health department wrote, "If you have followed the commission meeting minutes you know they are very clear that no mandatory orders from the governor or requirements issued by the governor will be enforced in Lincoln County."
MARION COUNTY
According to a post on the Marion County Clerk Facebook page, "The Board of County Commissioners, acting as the Board of Public Health voted unanimously to adopt a resolution that RECOMMENDS wearing face coverings in public, but does not mandate people to do so. Each business or entity within Marion County will have authority to mandate masks in their own facilities if they so choose."
MCPHERSON COUNTY
On Thursday, the McPherson County Commission passed a resolution to opt out of the governor executive order according to a news release from the McPherson County Health Department.
"McPherson County Board of Health (the commissioners) recommends the McPherson County communities still follow the recommendations from McPherson County Health Department and McPherson County Health Officer, which includes wearing face masks while in public when 6-foot of distance cannot be maintained between individuals. Mask wearing can and will significantly decrease the amount of COVID-19 spread in our communities, both from asymptomatic and symptomatic individuals," the news release noted.
MITCHELL COUNTY
According to a letter to Mitchell County residents from the Mitchell County Health Department, "the Mitchell County Board of Health (County Commissioners) are also expected to address the Executive Order next week."
The health department continued, "With that being said, businesses in our community, whether following organizational guidance or a choice made by the business owner, may require the use of masks while in their facility. The businesses in our county have put forth a tremendous effort to protect themselves and members of the community while in their facilities, and during this time it is important to continue to proceed with the same patience and understanding in the months to come."
OTTAWA COUNTY
On Thursday, the Ottawa County Commissioners voted to exempt the county from the governor's executive order.
SALINE COUNTY
Saline County Commissioners on Thursday voted to exempt the county from the governor's executive order. READ: Commissioners vote to exempt Saline County from mask order