Joplin to discuss face mask mandate, details revealed
The Joplin City Council will hold a Special Meeting Wednesday night to discuss an ordinance relating to citizens wearing face masks during this coronavirus pandemic.
The number of positive cases of COVID-19 have increased for Joplin as well as surrounding counties in the metro area. The past two weeks have seen case numbers double in Jasper and Newton Counties and large increases in southwest Kansas and northeast Oklahoma.
IF PASSED, the bill would require that all people six-years-old or older who are present in the City of Joplin to have possession of a face covering that covers their mouth and nostrils when they leave their home
or place of residence.
They shall also wear the face covering whenever they are within six feet of another person who is not a member of their family or household.
There are some exceptions for face coverings that 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 withDisabilities Act; or
• For children under 6 years old; or
• For people whose religious beliefs prevent them from wearing a face
covering; or
• For restaurant patrons while they are dining; or
• For individuals exercising outdoors or while walking or exercising
with other people from the same household, if social distancing from
others who are not your family or household members can be
maintained; or
• 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; or
• 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.
Experts have previously said that masks are necessary to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Punishment would be issued first by education and an opportunity for compliance, followed by a warning, and a civil citation of a fine of $0 to $250 dollars, at the court’s discretion.
IF PASSED, it would go into effect at 6:00 a.m. on Friday, June 26.