TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansans who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 will no longer need to wear masks outdoors in crowds and in most indoor settings, effective immediately, Gov. Laura Kelly announced Thursday.
The state will follow guidance announced Thursday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which said people who are fully vaccinated could stop wearing masks and social distancing outdoors in crowds. Masks also will not be necessary in indoor spaces, except for settings like buses, planes, hospitals, prisons and shelters.
“This announcement is welcome news, and a testament to the sacrifices Kansans have made over the last year,” Kelly said in a statement. “I can think of no better reason for all Kansans to get vaccinated. The sooner we are vaccinated —- the sooner we get back to normal.”
The mask change came a day after Kelly said Kansas will begin offering the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to children 12 and older, which also follows new guidance from federal officials. Previously, only those 16 and older could be vaccinated.
