Johnson County Board of County Commissioners votes to reaffirm Governor’s mask mandate

At its regular business session today, the Johnson County Board of County Commissioners voted to reaffirm Governor Laura Kelly’s Executive Order 20-52 (EO-52) requiring Kansans to wear face masks in public settings. The vote concluded three hours of discussion and public comments from nearly 60 county residents.

Governor Kelly issued EO 20-52 on July 2, 2020 implementing a statewide requirement to wear masks or other face coverings in public. In a special board meeting on July 2, 2020, the BOCC voted to affirm the Governor’s Executive Order. Due to today’s vote, it remains in force in Johnson County until rescinded or until the statewide State of Disaster Emergency expires, whichever is earlier.

“In our role as the Board of Health, we are responsible to protect the health of our community,” said Johnson County BOCC Chairman Ed Eilert. “Our county, metro and national health experts continue to emphasize the protection masks offer us, especially as our schools start to open for in-person learning."

The Governor’s order requires masks to be worn in public spaces. Masks are required outdoors when six feet of physical distance cannot be maintained. There are a number of exemptions, including for children 5 and younger and those with medical conditions that prevent mask use. Businesses open to the public are required to comply with the order.

For more information about COVID-19 in Johnson County, visit jocogov.org/coronavirus.