University of Missouri curators extend mask rules with some exemptions for vaccinated

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The University of Missouri curators approved an extension of mask requirements through Oct. 15, with some exemptions for the vaccinated.

The requirement will allow people who say they're vaccinated to not wear masks at voluntary athletic and social events. The rules will still require masks in classrooms but not outside.

The resolution stated:

The masking policy adopted on July 21, 2021 shall remain in place until oct. 15, 2021. However, masking will not be required in outdoor setting or for fully vaccinated individuals attending indoor athletics events or indoor social events where attendance is voluntary.

UM System President Mun Choi

The resolution passed 5-4.

• Julia G. Brncic - yes
• Darryl M. Chatman - no
• Maurice B. Graham - yes
• Todd P. Graves - no
• Greg E. Hoberock - yes
• Keith A Holloway - yes
• Jeffrey L. Layman - no
• Robin R. Wenneker - yes
• Michael A. Williams - no

The Board is very pleased with how our universities have been able to stay the course and continue our mission during this pandemic. A majority of our board believed providing this extension allows a bit more time to ensure our case rates remain low, our students continue enjoying in-person instruction and activities, and that we support the needs of our health facilities. We will continue to review our communities’ circumstances in a timely manner and be ready to make changes as necessary.

Darryl Chatman, chair of the Board of Curators.

Curator Todd Graves had a proposal that would have exempted the vaccinated from all mask requirements.

That resolution:

The masking policy from July 21, 2021 until Oct 15, 2021 should remain in place however masking will not be required for vaccinated individuals or in outdoor setting, athletic events or social events where attendance is voluntary. Masking policies for MU Health and for employees and students in patient and clinical environments may remain in place. and umkc and umsl may follow existing local requirements.

Todd Graves

Curators voted 6 to 3 the proposal down.

• Julia G. Brncic - no
• Darryl M. Chatman - yes
• Maurice B. Graham - no
• Todd P. Graves - yes
• Greg E. Hoberock - no
• Keith A Holloway - no
• Jeffrey L. Layman - yes
• Robin R. Wenneker - no
• Michael A. Williams - no

Curators considered a vote on another resolution that would require masks at all indoor public events. Curator Michael Williams dropped the motion.

The mask requirement was the only item scheduled for action during the special meeting is the University of Missouri's COVID-19 masking policy.

Watch the meeting in the player below.

University of Missouri's Temporary Masking Policy

The University's temporary masking policy was put into place in early August. The policy requires all students, faculty, staff and visitors to wear masks while in classrooms as well as meeting spaces when social distancing isn't possible. This requirement is for everyone, regardless of vaccination status.

The University of Missouri states if a person is not fully vaccinated, they have to wear a mask indoors in all spaces.

MU does have the following exceptions to the indoor masking rules:

• When a person is by themselves in a workspace.
• When a workspace has a six foot distance or physical barriers.
• When a person is eating or drinking and six feet away from other people or physical barriers.
• When a person is within a small group of people, whom a person has interacts with on a daily basis.

The vote Monday added an exemption for the vaccinated at voluntary athletic and social events.

The University of Missouri has approximately 27,000 students on its campus in Columbia.

Similarly sized schools including Auburn University, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and the University of Kentucky have indoor mask requirements similar to Mizzou, including exceptions to these rules.

COVID-19 Cases at the University of Missouri

According to the University of Missouri's website, as of Sunday, the school had 40 active student cases. This equates to 0.1% of the student body population. The university is reporting 10 MU staff have the coronavirus. Also, there have been 45 total cases self-reported by MU faculty and staff from both MU and UM System offices within Boone County.

Since the start of the school year on Aug. 22, the school has documented 135 student cases of COVID-19. Zero students have been hospitalized from the virus.

University of Missouri-Kansas City and University of Missouri-St. Louis will continue to follow local public health requirements for masking in all indoor spaces.