photo by: Shutterstock

The City of Lawrence announced Thursday that masks will no longer be required in city buildings for people who are fully vaccinated.

However, city spokesman Porter Arneill told the Journal-World that the city would not be checking vaccination cards as part of the new mask requirements.

Masks or other facial coverings will continue to be required for those who are unvaccinated, including city employees and members of the public, according to a city news release. The release states that throughout the pandemic, the city has been following the latest health and safety guidance — from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — and that public cooperation with the new policy is appreciated.

“This change in face covering policy will help us continue to keep our community safe as we navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic,” the release states.

The city states the situation is evolving and that the city will continue to work with public health agencies and other community partners involved in the community’s Unified Command response team, and use the most up-to-date information to adapt as necessary moving forward.

In addition to City Hall, the city has various public buildings, including community centers and recreation facilities. The city announced in October that it would no longer require those 12 and older to wear a mask while they were participating in sports leagues and activities at city recreation centers and other Parks and Recreation indoor facilities, but spectators and others not actively participating were required to wear masks regardless of vaccination status.