TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas' governor and its top public health official said Thursday that they worry that the state won't be able to reopen its K-12 schools for the new school year in August if it doesn't reverse a recent surge in reported coronavirus cases.

Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly told legislative leaders that a desire to reopen schools is a key reason for her executive order requiring Kansas residents to wear masks in public and their workplaces. The order takes effect at 12:01 a.m. Friday, with a fine of up to $2,500 possible for violators.

"The trend is going in the wrong direction,"...