Published on May 27, 2021
Updated on April 13, 2023
Dear campus community,
As we approach summer, we are encouraged by our recent progress regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. Boone County ranks highest in the state of Missouri for fully vaccinated individuals, and COVID-19 cases both on campus and in the broader community have plunged as the number of vaccinated individuals continues to rise. Vaccination will continue to drive our progress as the most effective tool against the spread of the virus. If you have not done so already, please consider getting vaccinated through MU Health Care, at any of the private clinics throughout the county or elsewhere. All COVID vaccinations are free.
Beginning June 1, the university 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.” Per CDC guidance, fully vaccinated individuals no longer need to wear a mask or socially distance unless they have a weakened immune system. The CDC does continue to recommend these practices for individuals not yet fully vaccinated. This change in MU’s policy is in alignment with recently announced changes from the City of Columbia, Stephens College, Columbia College, Moberly Area Community College, Boone County and Columbia Public Schools.
In addition to the policy change above, the following modifications should be noted:
| • | Summer classes at MU — Seating arrangements will allow for 6-foot distancing between seats. Face coverings will be recommended, but not required. Free masks are available at the bookstore for anyone who needs them. |
| • | Event approval — The university will no longer require approval from Incident Command for events after June 1, 2021. Events that have already been scheduled through the approval process can be adjusted according to the new guidelines. |
| • | Students returning to research labs — Beginning June 1, students participating in research labs will not be required to submit a Return to Work Authorization form through MU’s eCompliance system. Research faculty, staff and students should continue to follow safety guidelines and recommendations. |
While these changes are encouraging steps toward our planned return to full capacity in-person, on-campus activities this fall, we must remain vigilant and continue practicing personal responsibility in our fight against COVID-19. As a community, these practices will continue.
| • | Continue to self-report COVID cases — The university will continue to require MU students, faculty and staff to self-report positive COVID-19 cases. |
| • | Accommodations — If you have a medical condition that requires an accommodation, students can contact the Disability Center, and employees can contact the Office of Accessibility and ADA. |
| • | Consult Show Me Renewal — You’ll find updated information, recommendations and resources for faculty, staff and students as we shift into this phase of the pandemic. |
| • | Monitoring your symptoms — Make sure to self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms daily and stay home when you are sick to help keep yourself and others safe. |
| • | Testing/contact tracing — Those with symptoms should get tested and cooperate fully with case investigation and contract tracing efforts. |
Thank you to everyone in our Mizzou community for doing your part to help us get to this point. Moving forward, we will continue to remain flexible and adapt our recommendations in accordance with local, state and national guidelines, and in collaboration with our medical experts, public health and community partners.
Stay safe and go Tigers!
M-I-Z
Mark Diedrich
Incident Commander
MU Incident Command Team
John Middleton
Operations Section Chief
MU Incident Command Team