These four states issued new statewide mask requirements as second wave fears spike

A growing number of state officials are issuing new statewide mask requirements in an attempt to slow the spread of COVID-19 as cases are on the rise.

Earlier in the course of the pandemic, some governors issued statewide mask orders. Illinois has had a statewide mask rule in place since May 1, as has Maine. Massachusetts has had a statewide mask order in place since May 6. Rhode Island has required masks in public statewide since May 8. Many other states that do not require masks in public statewide do require them for workers in certain industries. Additionally, several cities and counties have their own mask requirements in place.

However, with officials hesitant to shut down newly reopened businesses, more state governors are turning to new mask requirements to curtail the spread of the virus.

Kansas

Starting at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, July 3, masks are required in public spaces in Kansas. “Under the order, most Kansans must wear masks in stores and shops, restaurants, and in any situation in which social distancing of 6 feet cannot be maintained, including outside,” reads a statement from the office of Kansas Governor Laura Kelly.

It will be up to local law enforcement to enforce Kansas’s statewide mask order. Kelly did not elaborate on the consequences for violating the order.

Oregon

Starting on July 1, face masks are required in all indoor public spaces throughout the state of Oregon following an order from Governor Kate Brown.

Brown says that the face mask requirement will be enforced by
Oregon Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) as well as local law enforcement.

California

Since June 18, a statewide mask order has been in place statewide in California for people in most public situations, including:

• Inside of, or in line to enter, any indoor public space;
• Obtaining services from the healthcare sector in settings including, but not limited to, a hospital, pharmacy, medical clinic, laboratory, physician or dental office, veterinary clinic, or blood bank;
• Waiting for or riding on public transportation or paratransit or while in a taxi, private car service, or ride-sharing vehicle;
• Engaged in work, whether at the workplace or performing work off-site
• Working in any space where food is prepared or packaged for sale or distribution to others;
• Working in or walking through common areas, such as hallways, stairways, elevators, and parking facilities;
• In any room or enclosed area where other people (except for members of the person’s own household or residence) are present when unable to physically distance.

Nevada

On June 24, Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak issued a statewide mandatory face mask requirement for anyone in a public space, including includes using public transportation, public facing work environments, when patronizing businesses, or interacting with others in any generally publicly accessible space.