Clay County last in KC area to issue mask mandate. Here’s what you need to know
Clay County, beginning Sunday, will become the final county in the Kansas City metro with a mask order for residents, according to an amended emergency order.
The county made the decision in response to the “rapid increase” in the number of cases and hospitalizations of people with COVID-19. The mandate will require masks to be worn in all indoor public areas.
“Face masks and physical distancing are the two most effective tools we have at our disposal during this time,” Gary E. Zaborac, director of public health, said in a news release. “These simple actions have been proven to reduce the spread of droplets that can carry COVID-19.
“We are asking everyone in Clay County to do their part to protect themselves and others in our community, especially the most vulnerable.”
Examples of where masks will be required include the following:
- Grocery and other retail stores
- Special events
- Public transit
- Places of worship
- Libraries
- Community centers
- Medical offices
- Schools/daycares
- Any business open and accessible to the public
Masks will not be required in the following situations:
While outdoors
While exercising indoors or outdoors
When engaged in a sporting activity
When eating or drinking at a restaurant or tavern
For those who are hearing impaired or communicating with someone who is hearing impaired
Clay County, according to statistics from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, has reported 589 COVID-19 cases and 13 deaths.
According to the county health department, the county has seen a 300% increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations over the last 30 days. The daily average rose from 10 patients to 40 patients hospitalized.
“It is critical we take this additional step to require masks in order to slow down increases in cases, to avoid overburdening our healthcare system, and to avoid the disruption to our local economy that would come if we would have to return to stay at home orders,” Zaborac said.
Before Wednesday’s change, Clay County had required masks at businesses with occupancy at 100%. And, parts of Clay County that fell within Kansas City or North Kansas City limits were required to follow those cities’ mask orders.
Complaints can be submitted with the county’s Environmental Health team.
Platte County’s mask order goes into effect on July 16. Kansas City’s mask order was extended indefinitely last week and will run in line with the city’s emergency order. Mask orders are also in effect in Jackson County in Missouri and Wyandotte and Johnson counties in Kansas.
This story was originally published July 15, 2020 at 2:49 PM.
