Sedgwick County’s health officer has signed a revised version of the order that was announced Wednesday requiring the wearing of masks in public places to limit the spread of the coronavirus.
Dr. Garold Minns signed an order Thursday to clarify that religious institutions are exempt from the 45-person limit on public gatherings, but they are encouraged to maintain social distancing as much as possible.
The order will go into effect Friday, July 10th and remain in place through August 9th.
Wichita mayor Brandon Whipple told reporters at his weekly news conference that the city will comply with the 45-person limit. He said the county’s mask order is not in conflict with the city ordinance that was approved on July 3rd. The mayor said a hotline is open for questions on the mask order or to report violations. The number is 303-8255.
Mayor Whipple said the ordinance is aimed at education and not punishment, and the goal is to never get to the point where the city is fining anyone. He said there are reasonable accommodations in the ordinance so that people with medical issues or legitimate reasons will not have to wear a mask. He said even if someone rejects education and rejects a mask that is offered to them, and they don’t have a legitimate reason to avoid a mask, there is a due process that would have to lead to a conviction before anyone would pay a fine.
