Columbia City Council to vote on face mask order

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Columbia City Council is set to vote on a face mask order at its meeting Monday.

The order would require anyone over the age of 10 to wear a face mask in any indoor or outdoor spaces within city limits where it's not possible to keep a six-foot distance. The goal is to help control the spread of COVID-19 in the community.

There are several exceptions stated in the ordinance. Some of those include when someone is exercising outside or eating or drinking at a restaurant. People with medical conditions, mental health conditions or disabilities that prevent them from wearing a mask are also exempt.

Individuals can be fined up to $15 for violating the order and businesses, government and non-profits can be fined up to $100. The order says businesses face that fine for each person inside the business who violates the order, meaning if two people inside are not wearing a face mask they will each pay the $15 fine and the business will pay two $100 fines.

The Columbia City Council is set to vote on the order at its meeting Monday which starts at 7 p.m. at City Hall.

At least six of the seven council members must vote to pass ordinance for it to become effective under emergency rules in the city charter.

The Columbia/Boone County Department of Public Health and Human Services reported 145 new COVID-19 cases since last Monday, June 26. This included a record for Boone County's largest single-day increase with 39 new coronavirus cases on July 2.

There are currently 166 active cases in Boone county.

Tune in to ABC 17 News at 5 and 6 p.m. for live interviews with Columbia Mayor Brian Treece.