State Agency Re-Opening Guidance

Clarification of Guidance Requiring Face Coverings in State Buildings
(Issued: July 10, 2020)

This is to clarify that all Executive Branch State of Kansas employees under the Governor’s jurisdiction and any customer or visitor to a building where such employees work, regardless of in which county they work or whether the building is a State building or is leased space, are required to follow the provisions of Executive Order 20-52 and to wear a mask or other face covering while in public spaces. This includes all common areas, elevators, hallways, stairwells and public-facing offices. Anyone who is unable to wear a mask due to a medical condition is exempt from this requirement.

Employees in these common areas should keep their masks on but may remove them while at their workstations or offices, where distance from other employees or visitors can be maintained. If there is any doubt as to whether a mask should be worn in a particular situation, agencies and employees should err on the side of being overly careful and wear the mask.

Please note that no customer or visitor should be refused any service because they are not wearing a mask. Agencies should make alternate arrangements to provide services whenever this occurs, such as providing the services in an outdoor setting or a larger area that allows sufficient room for social distancing.

As I indicated in my message last week, these requirements are consistent with CDC guidance, and will help protect state employees, as well as any visitors to our offices. Frequent hand washing and maintaining 6-feet physical distancing also remain important steps to slow the spread of the virus and all employees should continue these practices as well.

As infection rates for COVID-19 continue to rise throughout Kansas and across the country, we should all do what we can to help contain the spread of the virus. Masks are one simple and effective way to help with this effort, and every Kansan should take this easy, and necessary, step to protect our friends, family, and neighbors.

Thank you all for your ongoing efforts. Your cooperation remains essential as we continue to deal with this pandemic. Additional safety recommendations are available at https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/.

Mask Requirement
(Issued: June 30, 2020)

In compliance with Governor Kelly’s upcoming Executive Order requiring the use of face masks in public places, beginning July 3rd, anyone entering state office buildings will be required to wear a mask. 

Employees in shared spaces should keep their masks on, but may remove them while at their workstations or offices, where distance from other employees or visitors can be maintained. 

These requirements are consistent with CDC guidance, and will help protect state employees, as well as any visitors to our offices. Additionally, frequent hand washing and maintaining 6-feet physical distancing remain important steps to slow the spread of the virus. 

Across the country and across Kansas communities, the infection rates for COVID-19 are continuing to rise. 

Masks are a simple and effective way to reduce the chances of transmission. Every Kansan should take this easy, and necessary, step to protect our friends, family, and neighbors. Containing the spread of COVID-19 will be necessary before our daily lives and the Kansas economy can return to normal. By wearing a mask, you are doing your part to get Kansas on the path to recovery. 

Additionally, the Department of Administration has put the following measures in place in the Capitol Complex: 

  • Health screening and temperature checks will continue for employees entering Capitol Complex buildings
    • Agencies in buildings outside of the Capitol Complex should be following procedures similar to those established for the Capitol Complex
    • Employees traveling between buildings should be aware that procedures may vary, particularly in the Statehouse, Judicial Center and Memorial Buildings
  • Signage for social distancing and hygiene recommendations are displayed throughout the buildings
  • Seating for all common area breakrooms and lobbies has been reconfigured to encourage social distancing
  • Reservable common area conference rooms are cleaned after each scheduled use
  • Restrooms continue to be cleaned daily, with hand towels and soap dispensers checked more frequently
  • Between the hours of 9:00 am and 2:00 pm, special disinfecting is completed at the top of each hour on high-touch areas such as door handles and elevator buttons
  • Plexiglass barriers are available and can be installed upon work order request
  • Building mechanical HVAC is run 24 hours in capitol complex buildings to improve air circulation.

Additional safety recommendations are available at https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/.

Effective Monday, June 8, 2020: Shawnee County will move into Phase 3.

  1. Capitol Complex State Office Buildings are open to the public. Individual offices may be closed to the public at an agency’s discretion. 
  2. Screening in Capitol Complex State Office Buildings, including the Statehouse, will continue to stay in place and continue to follow Shawnee County guidance.
  3. Phase 3 gathering limits remain at 45 individuals.
  4. As many employees as possible are encouraged to work remotely through the end of June with a gradual redeployment into state offices shortly thereafter. Some current and additional staff may need to be on-site during each phase and agencies should continue to utilize safety and mitigating measures.
  5. If an employee has been in the office and is believed to have been exposed, please follow Guidance for State Agencies to Address Persons Under Investigation and/or a Positive COVID-19 Case in the Workplace distributed on April 27. Contact Office of Personnel Services if you have additional questions.

AD ASTRA: A PLAN TO REOPEN KANSAS

Other Guidance Documents for State Agencies