The Joplin City Council has voted 6-3 in favor to mandate face coverings within the city.
The new ordinance will take effect immediately.
It remains in effect until Sunday February 28, 2021 at 11:59 p.m., unless extended or terminated prior to that date by the Mayor or City Council.
Under the ordinance, everyone over the age of six is required to wear a face covering when in public spaces in the city limits of Joplin.
Exceptions for face coverings will be made under the following circumstances:
- For those who fall into the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidance for those who should not wear face coverings due to a medical condition, mental health condition, developmental disability, or are otherwise covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
- For children under 6 years old.
- For people whose religious beliefs prevent them from wearing a face covering.
- For bar or restaurant patrons while they are dining or consuming drink.
- For engaging in organized group or team sports, exercise or other physical activities where it is not practicable or feasible to wear a mask or socially distance.
- In settings where it is not practical or feasible to wear a face covering, including when obtaining or rendering goods or services, such as the receipt of dental services or medical treatments.
Failure to comply with the ordinance can result in a $50 fine.
You can read the full ordinance here.
This is the second mask ordinance for the City of Joplin. The first ordinance went into effect on July 11th and expired on August 18th.
The City of Joplin is currently reporting 3,193 coronavirus cases and 59 deaths.
