In response to the rapidly developing public health concerns regarding COVID-19, face coverings or masks must be worn over the nose and mouth by all visitors and staff inside Mid-Continent Public Library locations beginning Monday, June 29th. The Library is following the guidelines from the Kansas City Health Department’s face mask mandate of Friday, June 26th.

*The Clay County Health Department has made no policy recommendations regarding masks*

The MCPL website states: COVID-19 is present throughout the greater Kansas City region and continues to spread throughout our community. Because of this sustained transmission, it is necessary to continue these efforts to protect the health and safety of all Kansas City residents. The latest version of Mayor Lucas’s emergency order allows for certain business activities to resume while ensuring necessary public health measures remain in place.

The updated order took effect at 12:01 a.m. on Monday, June 29, 2020, and will remain in effect until at least 12:01 a.m. on Sunday, July 12, 2020. The order will be evaluated on an ongoing basis and may be modified as circumstances change, based on guidance from public health officials and other medical experts.

Although locations like Kearney, Smithville and Excelsior Springs are not under the jurisdiction of the Kansas City Health Department, MCPL is including all locations in this policy. The Clay County Health Department has not made any policy recommendations regarding mandatory wearing of masks.

Currently all library locations except the Boardwalk Branch remain open for technology services and pick-up and return of materials.

KPGZ News - Brian Watts contributed to this report