Manhattan without Masks

Yesterday marked the first day in many months the City of Manhattan does not have a requirement for face coverings.

There has been a lot of discussion over the past few months on the issue, but we believe the right thing to do was keep the ordinance until both USD 383 and Kansas State graduation. But it is clear, based on CDC recommendations among other evidence, that we are trending in the right direction and the current environment makes masks less necessary than only a few months ago.

At the Chamber, we have made the decision that masks are optional in our offices. As for our events, we will adapt to the policy of our host facility. For instance, if a business is hosting Business After Hours and requires masks, we will follow their requirements. If a host does not require masks, we will not either.

It is great to be able to see each other in person again as well. Thank you to everyone that attended our first in-person Business After Hours in 2021 last week at the Manhattan Country Club. We had an incredible crowd and everyone seemed to enjoy our time together. We will also begin having in-person Power Lunch in June when Rep. Tracey Mann speaks to our Chamber on June 8. We also are beginning plans for Regional Leaders Retreat on July 29 and 30. See our website for more details.

My final thought on this issue is that as we begin to open, we all strive to be kind to one another. Remember that if a business has a mask requirement, you must comply with that requirement. They may ask you to leave the premises and if you do not, you will be considered a trespasser, according to RCPD.

We can do this Manhattan! Let's continue the path to full reopening so we can enjoy the same quality of life and Manhappiness that we all have come to love.