(RILEY COUNTY, KS – November 23, 2020) Riley County Local Health Officer Julie Gibbs issued a new Local Health Order today that will go into effect at 11:59 p.m. tomorrow, Tuesday, November 24, 2020. This Order shall remain in effect until amended, superseded, or rescinded in writing, by the Riley County Local Health Officer or the Board of Riley County Commissioners, sitting as the Board of Health.
“We are seeing a lot of community spread in Riley County, and it was clear that a county-wide mask mandate was needed." said Local Health Officer Julie Gibbs. "All aspects of the previous order, including requirements for bars and restaurants, will remain in place.”
The key aspect of the new health order is:
- Masks or face coverings must be worn in any public space in Riley County.
A “public space” means any indoor or outdoor space or area that is open to the public; this does not include private residential property or private offices or workspaces that are not open to customers or public visitors. Masks are not required in outdoor public spaces if a distance of 6 ft can be maintained.
A “mask or other face covering” means a covering of the nose and mouth that is secured to the head with ties, straps, or loops over the ears, or is simply wrapped around the lower face.
Read the complete text of Local Health Order No. 19 on the Riley County website at https://www.rileycountyks.gov/Archive.aspx?ADID=2804
Riley County will not impose a fine for a violation of the mask order. The City of Manhattan mask Ordinance No. 7488 remains in effect for persons within Manhattan City limits.
The mass gathering size in Riley County is still limited to 50 people. All large events or gatherings with more than 50 people are still required to apply for an event permit from the Riley County Health Department (RCHD) at least 14 days prior to the event. Masks and additional health and safety precautions are required for private events, if more than 50 people will be present.
The event permit application is available online at the Riley County Coronavirus website www.rileycountyks.gov/coronavirus.
The mission of the Riley County Health Department is to promote and protect the health and safety of our community through evidence -based practices, prevention, and education.
For more information about Riley County’s response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, visit the Riley County website at www.rileycountyks.gov/coronavirus, follow RCHD on Facebook at /Rileycountyhealthdepartment/ and Twitter @RileyCoHealth.
