CITY OF COLUMBIA MASK ORDINANCE PASSES

Mask mandate kicks in Friday 7/10 at 5pm . What could your penalty be if you do NOT wear a mask in the City of Columbia??

UPDATE: 07/07 06:00AM

The Columbia City Council passes an ordinance requiring most people to wear a mask to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

The measure passed 6-1 late Monday night. Councilman Matt Pitzer was the only vote against it.

Mayor Brian Treece says the order makes the city more attractive.

“It gives parents the confidence they need to send their kids back to in-person classes. It levels the playing field for all businesses so that all businesses, all restaurants, have the same protections and practices in place as their competitors do,” Treece said.

People who violate the ordinance could face a $15 fine. It’s a $100 potential fine for businesses. Enforcement will mostly be up to the health department and neighborhood services office, but police could be involved.

It goes into effect at 5 p.m. on Friday, July 10, and lasts for 90 days. There are several exceptions where people in Columbia would not have to wear a mask.

“It protects our public health and our economy,” Treece said. “We can’t resume economic recovery until we tame the virus, so if we want to keep Columbia’s economy open, let’s wear a mask.”

Read the new city ordinance here. (PDF)

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ORIGINAL STORY

The City Council will consider an ordinance Monday (7/6) night to make them mandatory for almost everyone at least 10 years old. The draft released Wednesday has exceptions for socially distanced activities and sports outside, dining out, and medical needs.

Under the proposal, individuals could be fined $15 for not following the order, and businesses face up to a $100 fine. Businesses would also be required to provide masks to employees who must wear them under the terms of the ordinance. Here are the exceptions listed in the ordinance:

1. While outdoors when able to maintain a distance of at least six feet from others;

2. While exercising outdoors;

3. When engaged in a sporting activity;

4. While at home and exclusively in the presence of members of their own household; provided however, the wearing of a Face Mask shall be required in all common areas of any multifamily structure;

5. When in a vehicle and exclusively with members of their own household;

6. While eating or drinking only when inside or in the outside dining area of a restaurant or other establishment that offers food or beverage service, provided that person is able to maintain a distance of at least six feet from persons seated at other tables, and provided this distance restriction is enforced by the restaurant or other establishment;

7. When an individual has a medical condition, mental health condition or disability that prevents wearing a Face Mask;

8. When any party to a communication is deaf or hard of hearing and not wearing a Face Mask is essential to communication;

9. While obtaining a service that requires temporary removal of the Face Mask, such as dental examinations;

10. When necessary to confirm the individual’s identity;

11. When federal or state law prohibits wearing a Face Mask or requires the removal of a Face Mask;

12. When requested by a law enforcement officer;

13. When requested by a medical provider, including emergency response personnel;

14. When in a business/commercial/office setting and not within six feet of any other person; provided however, when moving from place to place in a business location a Face Mask shall be worn;

15. Under such other circumstances identified in any subsequent order issued by the Director;

Mayor Brian Treece asked city staff to draw up a mask order last week. St. Louis City and County begin a mask mandate Friday.

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