(KNZA)--A countywide mask mandate in Jackson County is no longer in effect.

The Jackson County Commission voted 2-1 Monday to end the county health order requiring face masks in public and limiting mass gatherings to 25 people.

The order had been in place since November 13.

With the New Year's holiday approaching, County Health Officer Angie Reith had requested that the order be extended at least another week.

One member of the Commission, Janet Zwonitzer, agreed and voted against the repeal.

But Jackson County Commissioner Ed Kathrens told the Topeka Capital Journal that, because the order wasn't legally enforceable, many people weren't wearing masks anyway and the Commission decided it was kind of ridiculous to have a mandate that was unenforceable.

COVID-19 cases in Jackson County have gradually declined over the past several weeks.

The Jackson County Health Department on Monday reported 68 active cases in the county, with one individual hospitalized.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, Jackson County has seen more than 1,000 positive cases and 10 virus related deaths.

The Brown County Commission also voted Monday to end that county's mask mandate and 50-person limitation on mass gatherings.