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<p style="font-weight:bold; display: inline; line-height:150%; font-size: 115%;">P.O. BOX 6015 COLUMBIA, MO 65205</p></div>
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<p style="font-size: 150%; font-weight: bold;">FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</p>
<p style="font-size: 120%; margin-top: -5px; font-weight:bold;">May 27, 2021</p>
<p style="float:right; font-weight:bold; margin-bottom: 25px; font-size: 100%; text-align:right;">CONTACT: Sydney Olsen
<br />Public Information Officer
<br />City Manager's Office
<br />City of Columbia
<br />573.874.7438
<br />Sydney.Olsen@CoMo.gov</p>
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<div style="font-size: 110%; line-height:150%;"><h1 style="clear:both; margin-top: 75px; margin-bottom: 10px; font-weight: bold; font-size: 130%;">Correction - Updated guidelines on masks and social distancing from City of Columbia and community partners</h1>
<div class="content"><span style="padding-left: 50px;">(COLUMBIA, MO)</span> - Correction: Masks will still be required on public transportation and at transportation hubs, following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Find more information at <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/face-masks-public-transportation.html">CDC.gov</a>.<br /><br />Several organizations in Columbia are changing their guidelines regarding wearing masks and social distancing. The decisions come following updated guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that say fully vaccinated individuals no longer need to wear a mask or socially distance, along with low case rates on a local level and an increasing vaccination rate. However, the CDC continues to recommend these practices for individuals not yet fully vaccinated or if they have a weakened immune system. <br /><br />"As community partners, we continue to recommend wearing ma
sks and social distancing, especially for people who are not vaccinated. As we continue to lift restrictions, now is the time to provide updated guidance to our community," said Columbia Mayor Brian Treece. "With more people receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, it will become safer for everyone to begin enjoying activities like school and community engagement in a more normal way."<br /><br /><strong>City of Columbia</strong><br /><br />Beginning June 1, the City of Columbia will no longer require masks inside of City buildings, however, it will be recommended that individuals who have not received the COVID-19 vaccine wear masks and social distance. Masks will still be required on public transportation and at transportation hubs. The City will also increase seating in the Council Chambers for meetings as case rates of the virus continue to lower. The CDC has stated that masks are required in health care settings, regardless of vaccination status. Because of that, masks will still
be required inside Columbia/Boone County Public Health and!
Human Services, 1005 W. Worley St. Information about available vaccination appointments can be found at <a href="https://www.como.gov/CMS/pressreleases/como.gov/CovidVaccine/">CoMo.gov/CovidVaccine</a>.<br /><br /><strong>Boone County</strong><br /><br />Beginning June 1, Boone County will no longer require masks in County government buildings, however, it will recommend that individuals who have not received the COVID-19 vaccine wear masks. Offices and departments within the Roger B. Wilson Boone County Government Center and the Boone County Annex will be able to implement other requirements.<br /><br /><strong>University of Missouri</strong><br /><br />Beginning June 1, the University of Missouri will change its policy on social distancing and the wearing of face coverings indoors from "required for all" to "recommended based on vaccination status and situation." Additionally, MU will no longer require approval from Incident Command for events held on campus after June 1.
Students, faculty, staff, and visitors are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated and monitor their symptoms for COVID-19. To view the updated MU policies, visit <a href="https://renewal.missouri.edu/">renewal.missouri.edu</a>.<br /><br /><strong>Moberly Area Community College</strong><br /><br />Moberly Area Community College will no longer require face coverings for vaccinated individuals beginning June 15. Classrooms, meeting rooms and public areas will be adjusted to have three feet of social distancing at that time. Vaccinated employees will be able to schedule and attend in-person meetings and ride together in college vehicles. For more information and to view the full list of COVID-19 updates, please visit: <a href="https://www.macc.edu/covid19">macc.edu/covid19</a>. <br /><br /><strong>Stephens College</strong><br /><br />Stephens College has revised its mask requirements to ensure consistency with Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services. The College co
ntinues to encourage its campus community to self-report sy!
mptoms, f!
ollow CDC and local health department guidelines and exercise personal responsibility in preventing the spread of COVID-19. More info is available at <a href="https://www.stephens.edu/covid/">Stephens.edu/covid</a>.<br /><br /><strong>Columbia College</strong><br /><br />Masks at Columbia College will be optional for fully vaccinated people effective June 1. College officials continue to encourage and recommend vaccination. The college previously announced its intention to resume regular operations effective Aug. 9, and in-person classes effective Aug. 30. College leaders continue to monitor relevant campus and community metrics and remain prepared to adjust recommendations as needed. Columbia College's COVID information hub is <a href="https://www.ccis.edu/information/2021-path">ccis.edu</a>.<br /><br /><strong>Columbia Public Schools</strong><br /><br />Beginning June 4, Columbia Public Schools will no longer require masks be worn indoors or on school buses, this includes
summer school programs beginning June 14. Individuals may still wear masks if they choose and masks will still be encouraged as best practice for the mitigation of the spread of COVID-19. Additionally, if case rates increase, the district may re-evaluate the use of masks as an additional layer of safety until case rates decrease. Columbia Public Schools, in partnership with Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services, is continuing to offer vaccination clinics for students. Information on clinics is available at <a href="https://www.cpsk12.org/Page/19293">cpsk12.org</a>. The second opportunity at the district's high schools began this week.</div>
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<em>Columbia is the best place for everyone to live, work, learn and play.</em></p>
<p>City of Columbia Mission<br>
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