Mask mandate at the University of Missouri set to expire Saturday

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The University of Missouri announced Thursday that masks will no longer be required on campus, however they will still be recommended.

Masks were previously required in classes and places where social distancing is not possible.

James Schiffbauer, an associate professor at the University of Missouri who teaches over 350 students at a time in his classes said it's hard to stop class to catch every person breaking the masking rules.

"In some sense, I've been asking for self-governance. We have to help police each other. If someone is sitting next to somebody and they see their mask is off politely ask them to pull it back up," said Schiffbauer 

The university says MU Health Care, the school of medicine and certain facilities in the college of veterinary medicine may continue to have requirements that are specific to their buildings.

 For athletics at the university, there have been no changes to Mizzou's mask guidelines. 

Face masks are still recommended at outdoor events for those unvaccinated and the staff at the game will be required to wear a mask regardless of vaccination status.

The university said if you haven't been vaccinated you can be scheduled at MU Health Care or with the City of Columbia.