The facial coverings mandate is no longer in effect for the City of Salina, Kansas.
Individual businesses and organizations may still require face masks be worn by its customers and participants. (All Saints Orthodox Church welcomes masks but does not mandate them.)
On Thursday, May 13, 2021, Kansas rescinded its statewide mask mandate. On the following Monday, May 17, the Salina City Commission repealed the mask ordinance for the City of Salina, Kansas, by a vote of 4 – 0. The repeal officially was not to go into effect until it was published in the newspaper of record, the Salina Journal, then anticipated in the meeting to be later in the week. However, it was first published online on the Salina Journal website on Monday afternoon, May 17, 2021, and that article was updated on the website on Tuesday afternoon, May 18. It appeared in the printed newspapers sometime that same week.
Normally to repeal an ordinance it would take two separate meetings to do so, with a first reading of the repeal at the first meeting and then a second and final reading at the second meeting, followed by a vote. The Salina City Commissioners, though, instead elected to have the second reading on the same day during the same meeting.
After the CDC offered new masking guidelines, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly issued a statement Thursday, May 13, confirming that anyone who received their final dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at least two weeks ago can safely go about their day without a face mask. Masks will still be required at businesses who have their own policies, at healthcare facilities, and on public transportation.
While the state order is ended on Thursday, May 13, local cities and counties could still enact and enforce their own ordinances. Salina was one of the cities in the state of Kansas that still had an ordinance in place.
A masking requirement may continue in some spaces like elder care facilities, medical buildings, and more. Please check the CDC COVID-19 Resource Center for more information. Private businesses and organizations have the right to require the wearing of face coverings and may require additional precautions on their premises.
Masking continues to be strongly recommended for individuals who are not fully vaccinated.
* * * * *
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Kroger stores, including Dillons grocery stores in Salina, Kansas, has lifted their masking requirement for fully vaccinated people. They request that non-vaccinated customers continue to wear a mask. And they will continue to respect the choice of individuals who prefer to continue to wear a mask.
Starting May 20, 2021, fully vaccinated customers and most fully vaccinated associates no longer need to wear a mask in Kroger facilities, including stores, distribution centers, plants, and offices, unless otherwise required by state or local jurisdiction. If there is a state or local mandate, they will adhere to that requirement and its timeline.
Non-vaccinated associates will be required to wear a mask. Associates in the store pharmacy and clinic locations will be required to continue wearing a mask due to the CDC’s guidance for healthcare settings.
They will continue to implement enhanced cleaning and physical distancing across all facilities as well as offer associates a $100 one-time payment for receiving the recommended doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.
They also encourage customers to visit www.kroger.com/covidvaccine to make an appointment. Many pharmacies are also accepting walk-in appointments for added convenience.
Kroger joins other major chains in lifting mask requirements -- including among others Walmart, Sam’s Club, Target, Trader Joe’s, Costco, CVS, Walgreens, Chipotle, and Starbucks.