This Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that new cases of COVID-19 decreased 6 percent in Kansas counties with a mask order, and increased 100 percent in counties without one. The findings are based on analysis of cases before and after the July 3 effective date of the original mask order issued by Gov. Kelly. The report was produced collaboratively by the CDC, KDHE and KHI.
The original report on county- and city-level adoption or rejection of the Governor’s mask order was compiled by KHI and published over the summer in blog posts on A Kansas Twist. These data were used by the CDC, KDHE and KHI in producing the MMWR report.
Visit the CDC’s website to read the full report. For additional information on county-level public health orders related to COVID-19, visit KHI’s A Kansas Twist.
Note: With Thanksgiving around the corner and COVID-19 now spiking in the state, a new executive order related to mask-wearing will take effect at 12:01 AM on Wednesday, November 25. Check back to see which counties have adopted or opted out of the Governor’s new order. We want to remind all Kansans that mask-wearing, social distancing, thorough handwashing, and staying at home when sick are good practices for reducing the spread of COVID-19.