University of Missouri changes face-covering policy to limit shields
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
The University of Missouri’s updated mask policy is now in effect for students and faculty.
According to the MU Renewal Site, clear face shields and face coverings with vents or exhalation valves no longer meet campus face-covering requirements.
The updated policy also states that face coverings can be made of cloth or other soft permeable material, but they cannot have holes.
Instructors are allowed to wear clear face shields while teaching as long as they are 10 feet away from others. Students can wear face shields but in addition, they have to wear a face covering that meets MU’s face-covering requirements.
MU spokesman Christian Basi said that after receiving feedback from the campus community in the first days of classes the university decided the policy needed to be updated.
“We were also watching very closely and looking at the information coming from our medical resources which includes the CDC, our local medical experts and the public board of health here,” Basi said.
The policy also states that if students are unable to wear a face covering because of a physical or mental health condition they should contact the Disability Center for accommodations. Students who are unable to wear face coverings because of religious beliefs or practices should contact the Office for Civil Rights and Title IX.
Basi said extra face coverings are available in classes for students if they do not have a mask that meets requirements but if students do not abide by the rules in classrooms the university has a plan put into place.
“Faculty members have been instructed to cancel the class for that particular day, and to refer the student to the Student Accountability Office and they will be disciplined appropriately,” Basi said.
Basi said faculty and students have been made aware of the updated policy.
“We’ve seen rising cases and everyone in the entire community is concerned about it. It goes back to our regular message, do the right thing,” Basi said.
MU reported 306 active COVID-19 cases among students on Friday -- 1 percent of the student population.
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