You will notice more masks being worn by people around Topeka and Shawnee County. Starting at Midnight on July 9th, masks are now required to be worn both indoors and outdoors if you can not social distance yourself 6 feet or more.

According to the resolution that was passed on Monday, July 6th:

A “face mask or other face covering” means a covering of the nose and mouth secured to the head with ties, straps, loops over ears or wrapped around the lower face from the nose down.”

Here are the requirements to have to wear a mask. According to WIBW-TV:

The order states face masks must be worn in an indoor public space when employees are working in any space visited by customers or members of the public if they cannot achieve social distancing, where employees are working in a space where food is being prepared or packaged for sale or distribution and social distancing cannot be practiced and when employees are working in or walking through common areas such as hallways, stairways or elevators. 

Face masks must be worn in outdoor public spaces when social distancing cannot be achieved  in places that include but are not limited to outdoor bus stops, sidewalks, parks playgrounds, sporting events, farmers markets, and restaurants/bar patio seating. 

There are exceptions to the requirement.

1. If you work by yourself indoors where you are not in contact with the public or co-workers
2. Driving alone or with family members
3. Children under the age of 10 (It is still encouraged they wear a mask)
4. When you go swimming
5. At a table at a restaurant when you are eating or drinking
6. People with medical conditions

According to our news partner KSNT, if you are not in accordance with the order, you could face a fine of $2,500.