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Springfield City Council Votes To Require Face Coverings In Public

Springfield City Council Votes To Require Face Coverings In Public

Springfield City Council Votes To Require Face Coverings In Public

Springfield city council members voted 8-0 late Monday night to require people to wear a face covering in public.

There was one abstention.

More than 60 people spoke to council, with arguments both for and against a masking requirement.

Protesters made their voices heard outside of city hall as council members heard public comments late into the night.

The city has received hundreds of e-mails, messages, even threats to picket businesses of council members.

“I challenge every member of this community to assume personal responsibility. Wear a mask,” Mayor Ken McClure said after the vote concluded at 11:37 p.m.

The requirement takes effect at midnight Thursday morning and goes for 90 days.

The city has released a list of frequently asked questions regarding the ordinance:

When does the face covering ordinance go into effect?

If City Council approves it July 13, the ordinance goes into effect at 12:01 a.m., Thursday, July 16, 2020

When will the face covering ordinance expire?

This ordinance is in effect for 90 days and will expire at 11:59 p.m. on Oct. 14 unless extended, rescinded, superseded or amended.

How will this ordinance be enforced?

Education will be the first step in enforcement. We will work to educate any violators of the ordinance before pursuing further action.

Failure to comply with this ordinance can result in a $100 fine for individuals, businesses, governments or non-profit entities. Each individual within or working for the entity is considered a separate violation.

How can violations be reported?

Violations of the face covering ordinance can be reported by emailing city@springfieldmo.gov or by calling 417-864-1010. If a customer at a business refuses to wear a face covering and is causing immediate danger to the businesses’ staff, please call 911.

What defines a face covering?

Face Covering means a device that covers the nose and mouth.

Does everyone have to wear a mask?

Under this ordinance, everyone over the age of 11 that is in the Springfield city limits will be required to wear a mask in the part of a public accommodation open to the public. There are exemptions for people who have a health condition that prevents wearing a mask. Exemptions are also made for people who are hearing impaired and people communicating with individuals who are hearing impaired. For more situations in which you should and should not wear a face mask, please refer to the questions below.

What are some examples of when to wear a face mask? Please note these are just a few examples and not a comprehensive list.

When shopping at the grocery store or other retail establishment.
When sitting in the stands close to others while watching a sporting event.
When walking around spaces in public accommodations open to the public.
When standing in line at the store or other event.
When should I not wear a face mask?

There are several exempted activities listed in this ordinance. Those include:
While outdoors when able to maintain a distance of at least 6 feet from others.
While exercising outdoors or when exercising indoors and able to maintain a 6 foot distance.
While at a swimming pool.
When at home with only members of your household.
When in your car/vehicle.
When actively eating or drinking, or while seated and adequately spaced from others at a food establishment.
When getting a service that requires the temporary removal of a mask, such as during a dental exam, facial, makeup application, etc.
When the removal of the mask is necessary to confirm identity.
When at your place of work in non-public areas, for example, in your office.
Members of a wedding party during a wedding ceremony or while photographs of the wedding and reception are taken.
Do I need a doctor’s note to prove I have a medical condition that prevents me from wearing a mask?

No. You do not need a doctor’s note or documentation proving you have a medical condition preventing you from wearing a mask for purposes of the ordinance. However, you may be required to provide certification to your employer.

Do I need to wear one in the gym?

If you are engaged in physical activity in the gym and are distanced from others, you do not need to wear one. If you are not engaged in physical activity, or are not able to remain at least 6 feet away from others, then one must be worn in a gym.

Do I need to wear one at a restaurant or bar?

Masks should be worn in restaurants and bars as you wait to be seated and while you walk to your table in the dining area. Once seated, you can remove your face mask if you are safely distanced from others. The mask should be put on anytime you leave the table.

There is an exemption for wearing a mask during a sporting activity. Does that include coaches, umpires or other volunteers on the field/court/etc.?

Yes. Players engaged in the sporting activity are exempt from the mask requirement while they are physically active in the sport. While players on the sidelines/bench/dugout, coaches, or referees/umpires are also exempt, it is highly recommended that they DO wear a face covering.

Are child care providers required to wear a mask?

Yes, child care providers are required to wear a mask. This includes in-home providers.

Where can I get a mask if I do not have one?

Both reusable and cloth face masks can be purchased at many different locations around the city including grocery stores, retail establishments, or online retailers. There are also many local cloth mask makers in and around Springfield that you can find via Facebook marketplace or other buying and selling groups.

I am an employer. Where can I get masks for my employees?

Employers can order facemasks through any supplier. One option is the Missouri PPE market place located on the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services website.

Do I have to wear a face mask in my own home?

A face mask is not necessary when in your own home and only with members of your household. If you live in a multi-family unit, such as an apartment building, wear a face mask in communal spaces, such as the laundry room and shared hallways.

If I wear a mask do I still have to social distance?

Yes, social distancing should always be practiced, and masks are not a substitute for social distancing. Face coverings act as an additional layer of protection in slowing the spread of the virus.

I am a business owner/manager. How do I notify customers of this ordinance?

It is recommended that businesses place signs on entrances to notify customers/visitors of the mask requirement. Springfield-Greene County Health Department has created three variations of signs:

https://www.springfieldmo.gov/DocumentCenter/View/49608/Mask-Required-Sign1
https://www.springfieldmo.gov/DocumentCenter/View/49609/Mask-Required-Sign2
https://www.springfieldmo.gov/DocumentCenter/View/49610/Mask-Required-Sign3
for businesses to print and place on their doors. Businesses can create their own signage if they wish. Businesses are still obligated to follow the ongoing occupancy and sanitation guidance.

Does this ordinance supersede the occupancy and social distancing requirements in the previous Road to Recovery order?

The ordinance does not supersede the Mayor’s order since it becomes effective when the Mayor’s order expires, but it does replace his order. While some of the provisions from the Mayor’s order are included in the ordinance, some aren’t, such as occupancy limits for restaurants. This ordinance replaces the occupancy and social distancing requirements in the previous order.

Health Department Information

Get more information about choosing and wearing face coverings on the Health Department website.

 

 

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