Columbia’s new face mask requirement includes many exceptions
COLUMBIA, (Mo.) KMIZ
Columbia's ordinance requiring face coverings to fight COVID-19 goes into effect Friday.
But the ordinance doesn't mean that everyone must wear a mask at all times. The requirements approved by the city council Monday include several exemptions.
Among them are:
- When you can maintain at least 6 feet of distance outdoors
- While exercising, outdoors or indoors, if 6 feet of distance is possible
- While "engaged in a sporting activity"
- While at home with household members. However, masks must be worn in common areas of apartments.
- While in a personal vehicle
- While eating or drinking
- If you have a medical condition
The ordinance will be in place for 90 days unless it is extended, rescinded or superseded beforehand
In the ordinance, the city cites the rapid increase in case numbers not only across the country but in Boone County specifically. The Columbia/Boone County Department of Public Health and Human Services said the county counted 100 cases in just three days to pass 600 total on Thursday.
It took 55 days to get to the first 100 cases.
The ordinance also cites the CDC's recommendation that members of the public should cover their mouth and nose when needing to interact with others outside.
The city defines a face mask as "A covering made of cloth, fabric, or other soft or permeable material, without holes, that covers only the nose and mouth and surrounding areas of the lower face."
Some organizations in the city are exempt from the face mask ordinance. The University of Missouri and Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital are among them.
Employers will also now be required to have a sufficient supply of masks to be able to provide to employees.
If caught in violation of Columbia's mask ordinance an individual may be fined up to $15, and businesses may be fined up to $100.
Check back here or watch ABC 17 News at 5 and 6 for more on this developing story.
