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/.