Mizzou announces mask requirements and vaccine incentives

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

All Mizzou students, faculty, staff and visitors will have to mask up indoors starting Monday, regardless of vaccination status.

"With our in person classes, we know we're going to have to make these adjustments with the mask requirements, and again we're asking for everybody's cooperation," said Christian Basi, an MU spokesperson. "The more cooperation we get, the faster this thing is going to be in our rear-view mirror."

The university is also offering vaccine incentives like tuition discounts, free parking and even the chance to grab some food with a head coach.

"If you have the vaccine and you are a member of the Mizzou community, you are eligible for these prizes," Basi said. "So for those who are not vaccinated, It's one more carrot to go out and get that vaccination now."

MU reported 21 active student cases and 14 active staff or faculty cases Thursday.

Last year, on Aug. 25, the university's first-day tracking cases, it reported 228 active cases, peaking Sept. 5 with 683 and powering a surge in cases across Boone County.

This year, Basi says the university is more prepared.

Students and staff will be able to upload the vaccine information in the coming weeks.

The mask requirements will be reviewed on September 15th.

Stay with ABC 17 News for more information on this developing story as it breaks.