(MANHATTAN, KS - August 6, 2021) Starting Monday, August 9, all visitors and city staff will be required to wear a mask that covers their mouth and nose when indoors at all City of Manhattan facilities. The requirement applies to people older than two years of age, whether vaccinated or unvaccinated. The decision to require masks indoors was made by City Manager Ron Fehr in response to CDC and Riley County Health Department (RCHD) recommendations for areas with high or substantial transmission rates.
“We need to do what we can to limit the spread of the Delta variant,” said City Manager Ron Fehr. “Our goal is to make sure the City workforce can continue to provide services and to prevent the local medical community from being overwhelmed. When Riley County is no longer classified as a place with a substantial or high COVID-19 transmission rate, we will reevaluate our policy and notify the public of any changes. We continue to encourage members of the community to get vaccinated.”
This mask requirement is related to indoor, City-operated facilities only. There is no City-wide mask ordinance that has been approved or is being considered at this time.
Indoor City facilities include but are not limited to:
- City Hall
- Municipal Court
- Douglass Recreation Complex
- Anthony Recreation Center
- Flint Hills Discovery Center
- Indoor areas of Sunset Zoo
- T. Russell Reitz Animal Shelter
Signs will be posted at the entry of each facility and masks are available upon request. Contact the City facility for options to conduct business remotely.
Manhattan Regional Airport must continue to follow the federal laws requiring masks for all people at airports. Masks must be worn at Manhattan Regional Airport, and visitors and travelers should refer to federal guidelines for the latest information.
City Administration will evaluate the situation weekly based on CDC and RCHD information and City operational impacts. Any changes to mask requirements will be posted at building entrances.
The mission of the City of Manhattan is to sustain order and protect public safety, promote public health, preserve the built environment, and enhance economic vitality. The city supports a regional community in which individuals and families develop and thrive. More information about the City of Manhattan is available online at www.cityofmhk.com, on Facebook at /Cityofmanhattan and on Twitter @cityofmhk.