COVID-19 mask requirement on University of Missouri campus will phase out: officials
The University of Missouri’s requirement for wearing masks indoors will expire Friday after university officials report a low number of COVID-19 case numbers this semester.
In a letter Thursday, university officials say the current conditions in Boone County are the basis for allowing the temporary mask mandate to expire. But the university is still asking that masks be worn in indoor spaces — especially during times when social distancing cannot be maintained.
“With this change, MU’s mask guidance comes into alignment with the latest Boone County public health advisory and CDC guidance, which both include recommendations for indoor masking. University facilities and operations in other parts of the state will follow local public health guidance,” said the letter, signed by Incident Commander Mark Diedrich and Operations Section Chief John Middleton.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Boone County — as with roughly 89% of counties across the nation — remains an area where the risk of transmission is considered high. Everyone is asked to wear masks while visiting indoor spaces under the federal agency’s current recommendations.
The letter from the university notes that other units across the campus, including MU Health Care and the veterinary college, may continue to keep requirements in place.
The university is also encouraging those on its college campus to get a COVID-19 vaccine for those who have yet to do so. And those who fall ill with are advised to stay home and get tested if experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
“Following these practices will continue to assist us in managing the situation, which allows in-person learning, work and other activities to continue,” the letter says.
