(KNZA)--Despite voicing strong encouragement to wear one, the Doniphan County Commission has voted unanimously to forgo Kansas Governor Kelly’s mandate requiring that face-masks be worn due to rising cases of COVID-19.

The decision was made Wednesday during a special meeting of the Commission.

Public Health Department Administrator Sheryl Pierce, prior to the approval of the resolution, told the Commission that while face masks are helpful for prevention, enforcement of a mandatory order is an issue.
Pierce, along with all three Commissioners, strongly recommended wearing a mask, while also practicing social distancing and hand washing, but opposed the requirement.

The state-wide mask-wearing mandate takes effect Friday in Kansas for locations where County Governments have not said otherwise.