University of Missouri declines to change COVID-19 protocols amid spike in student cases
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
The University of Missouri System Board of Curators declined to change its COVID-19 protocols amid a spike in the number of positive COVID-19 cases among MU students.
On Monday morning, the board members released an agenda for the immediate review of the system's COVID-19 protocols. During the 8 a.m. meeting Tuesday, MU Chancellor Mun Choi recommended two different versions of a mask requirement to start the spring semester.
The curators voted against both temporary masking recommendations.
According to Mizzou's COVID-19 data, the school has seen a rise in COVID-19 cases in the past month. The university hit a spike with 188 active cases on Monday.
This represents around .7% of Mizzou's student body testing positive for the virus.
Since Aug. 22, 842 MU students have tested positive while in Boone County. Three Mizzou students have been hospitalized.
The documented student case numbers are recorded by the Boone County Health Department. Students who test positive while in other counties/states are not included in this number, according to the school's website.
The Boone County Health Department recently documented 2,109 positive cases on Jan. 7, which is the highest number the county has seen the entire pandemic. As of Tuesday morning, 2,032 active cases were documented by the health department.
Current COVID-19 Protocols/Requirements
- Masking no longer required, but highly encouraged
- Vaccines for students including boosters are encouraged
- No longer requiring mandatory vaccination or documented exemption for staff, faculty and student employees
Schools in the Columbia area including Columbia College and Stephens College both announced plans earlier this month to temporarily move classes online.
Lincoln University in Jefferson City plans to hold in-person classes.
Currently, the University of Missouri also plans to hold in-person classes, which start on Jan.18.
