July 8, 2020 • Update on Mask Requirements at Derby Public Schools

Dr. Garold Minns, Sedgwick County’s Health Officer, announced on Wednesday, July 8, 2020, that he would sign an emergency order to require face masks in Sedgwick County. This order goes into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, July 10 and is in place until midnight on August 9, 2020.

Dr. Minns shared that after looking at the number of cases increasing in the county, as well as hospitalizations increasing, that face masks should be required. The order also calls for everyone in the county to adhere to Phase 3 of Governor Laura Kelly’s Ad Astra Plan, which includes limiting mass gatherings to 45 individuals in one location where social distancing is not available. 

Masks should be worn while inside any indoor or outdoor public space where distancing of six feet at all times is not possible, and in line and waiting to enter an indoor public space. Exceptions to this order include children five and under and others not able to safely wear a mask, as listed in the public health order. Read the order HERE. 

Current student programming immediately impacted by this order include the following:
• Summer PrimeTime, Latchkey and Extended School Year (ESY):  All students and employees are required to wear a mask; unless exempt. 
• Free Meal Sites:  Central Kitchen/Oaklawn/Wineteer host free summer meal sites. Staff working and patrons who are over the age of five who visit this site are required to wear a mask. 
• Athletics:  Athletes who are able to maintain 6 feet distance from others with only infrequent or incidental moments of closer proximity are not required to wear a mask. If unable to do this, masks are required.