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1. When does the new order begin and end?

The updated order goes into effect on Monday, Nov. 23 at 12 a.m. and is set to remain in effect until further notice.

2. When DO I need to wear a face mask?

Masks must be worn:

• In indoor spaces with more than one person per room or barrier-divided space; when physical distancing of at least six feet cannot be maintained.
• Outdoors; when physical distancing of at least six feet cannot be maintained.
• Further exceptions, if any, can only be approved by the Director of Public Health. (Online submission form will be available Wednesday, Nov. 18 at noon.)

3. When do I NOT need to wear a face mask?

A person may remove their face mask where otherwise required under the following circumstances:

• While outdoors, when able to maintain a distance of at least six feet from others;
• While seated and actively eating or drinking (inside or outside). Please wear a mask when interacting with food service workers and when moving around the space.
• While obtaining a service that involves the nose or face which requires temporary removal of the face mask, such as dental examinations;
• When necessary to confirm the individual’s identity;
• When federal or state law prohibits wearing a face mask or requires the removal of a face mask;
• When requested by a law enforcement officer;
• When requested by a medical provider, including emergency response personnel;
• When in a business/commercial/office setting and not within six feet of any other person; provided however, when moving from place to place in a business location where the person cannot maintain at all times a distance of six feet from all other persons, a face mask shall be worn.
• While at home. Masks should be worn in common spaces in communal living buildings, when near others not in your immediate household.

4. Who is exempt from wearing a face mask?

Who is exempt from wearing a face mask?

• Persons who have a respiratory condition that is exacerbated by the wearing of a face covering.
• Persons under five (5) years of age. However, CDC guidance strongly recommends that children over age two wear face coverings.
• Persons who have disabilities for which masks constitute a substantial impairment to their health and well-being based upon medical, behavioral, or legal direction.
• Persons who are in a restaurant or tavern and are engaged in consuming food or drink while adequately distanced from other patrons.
• Persons who are obtaining a service involving the nose or face for which temporary removal of the face covering or mask is necessary to perform the service.

Do I need to prove I am medically exempt? No, businesses cannot ask you for proof of your medical condition.

Even if you are medically exempt, you can still spread the virus to others by not wearing a mask. You may also be at increased risk of becoming seriously ill from COVID-19 because of your medical condition, so it’s important to still take precautions to avoid becoming infected. Find alternative ways to receive your essential goods or services, like through curbside pickup, delivery, telemedicine, etc.

5. What if my business is privately owned?

All business and buildings open and accessible to the general public qualify as an “indoor public accommodation” regardless of if they are public or privately owned. These businesses should adhere to the order to require masks when social distancing cannot be maintained.

Masks are not required in business/commercial/office settings that have limited or no public accessibility and when employees are consistently six or more feet away from others. In this case, masks would only be required when employees are moving around within the building and when within six feet of someone else.

6. Can a business refuse entry to me if I'm not wearing a face mask?

Yes, they can refuse entry or service. However, businesses should attempt to provide customers with reasonable accommodation, such as curbside pickup or the shipping of items.

Isn’t refusing entry discrimination? The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) allows restrictions when an individual would pose a direct threat to the health and safety of others. As of March 2020, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has declared that the COVID-19 pandemic meets the direct threat standard.

7. How do I report a business or organization I believe is in violation of the order?

To make complaint about a Clay County business or organization, you can submit a complaint with our Environmental Health team here.

PLEASE NOTE: if the business’ address is Kansas City, you must contact the Kansas City, Missouri Health Department to make a complaint.

8. What if I do not own a face mask?

There are many ways to find or create a face mask or cover. 

• Make your own! Find instructions for both sew and no-sew options here.
• You may already own a scarf or bandana that can be used as a face cover. Please note that some materials may be more effective than others and two layers is more effective than one.
• Face masks of all kinds can now be found and purchased in many stores, in person and online.

Business and organizations in need of larger amounts of face masks and other protective equipment can visit our Business Resources page for a list of options. 

9. How can I help my child wear a face mask?

There are some great resources from Children’s Mercy Hospital. University of Rochester Medical Center, and Sesame Street that help teach kids how to wear a mask and the importance of doing so. Also, Connecticut Children’s breaks down how to make children more comfortable wearing masks by age and the American Academy of Pediatrics discusses mask myths.

10. Are masks required for children while playing sports or during recess or PE?

Winter Sports:

Our guidance is that masks are not required for basketball players when they are in the game on the floor or for wrestlers on the floor in a match. If they are on the bench or sidelines they are required.

However masks are also not required for basketball players or wrestlers during scrimmaging or other parts of strenuous practice activities. If they are watching film/video or other less strenuous practice activities then they would be required to wear a mask.

Swimmers are not required to wear masks when they are in the pool either practicing or in competition but should wear a mask otherwise.

PE & Recess:

High school and middle school - Masks are required at PE activities except for periods of strenuous activity.

Elementary school - Masks would be required while using the playground equipment. Students may go unmasked for the rest of outdoor recess while maintaining six feet physical distancing.