The coronavirus global pandemic has transformed the way we live our lives, making social distancing, working from home, and wearing a mask the norm.
According to the CDC, wearing a mask out in public can protect you and your community by preventing COVID-19 respiratory droplets from traveling into the air and infecting others – especially if you’re not fully vaccinated.
So what are the mask requirements in the state of Missouri? The answer depends on where you live.
Missouri Governor Mike Parson has not issued a statewide mask mandate and left the decision to issue ordinances requiring face coverings up to local governments.
On May 13, 2021, the CDC drastically changed its guidelines, stating that fully vaccinated individuals can resume many indoor and outdoor activities without wearing a mask. The guidance led to most cities and counties to ease previous mask mandates.
Below is a comprehensive list of mask mandates across Missouri as of May 18, 2021.
Note that ordinances can be issued by either a city or county, so it’s best to check both. For example, St. Louis County’s ordinance applies to all 88 municipalities within the county.
This page will be updated as new information is made available
Missouri Mask Mandates by County
St. Louis County & St. Louis City
On May 14, 2021, St. Louis County Executive Dr. Sam Page and St. Louis City Mayor Tishaura Jones rescinded previous COVID orders, allowing fully vaccinated individuals to go maskless outdoors and in most indoor settings. Both leaders encourage individuals to respect business owners who still ask patrons to wear a mask, regardless of vaccination status.
Jackson County
On May 14, 2021, Jackson County allowed its indoor mask mandate to expire, allowing fully vaccinated individuals to continue most activities without wearing a mask.
Boone County
Boone County expired its mask mandate on Wednesday, May 12, 2021 without renewal.
Clay County
On April 23, 2021, Clay County amended its ordinance to no longer require masks outdoors. On May 14, the eliminated its entire mask mandate.
Greene County/Springfield
Springfield City Council voted to end the citywide mask mandate effective May 27, 2021 at 11:59 p.m.
Platte County
On May 15, 2021, Platte County removed its mask mandate for individuals who are fully vaccinated.
The following counties also issued a mask mandate in 2020 and allowed them to expire in 2021:
- Adair County
- Andrew County
- Cape County
- Cooper County
- Grundy County
- Jefferson County
- Johnson County
- Lafayette County
- Lincoln County
- Livingston County
- Morgan County
The following Missouri counties have not issued a countywide mask mandate. However, there may be local municipal ordinances within the county that could still require the wearing of a mask. Continue to check your local health department, and media outlets for the latest information:
- Atchison County
- Audrain County
- Barry County
- Barton County
- Bates County
- Benton County
- Bollinger County
- Buchanan County
- Butler County
- Caldwell County
- Callaway County
- Camden County
- Carroll County
- Carter County
- Cass County
- Cedar County
- Chariton County
- Christian County
- Clark County
- Clinton County
- Cole County
- Crawford County
- Dade County
- Dallas County
- Daviess County
- Dekalb County
- Dent County
- Douglas County
- Dunklin County
- Franklin County
- Gasconade County
- Gentry County
- Harrison County
- Henry County
- Hickory County
- Holt County
- Howard County
- Howell County
- Iron County
- Jasper County
- Knox County
- Laclede County
- Lawrence County
- Lewis County
- Linn County
- Macon County
- Madison County
- Maries County
- Marion County
- McDonald County
- Mercer County
- Miller County
- Mississippi County
- Moniteau County
- Monroe County
- Montgomery County
- New Madrid County
- Newton County
- Nodaway County
- Oregon County
- Osage County
- Pemiscot County
- Perry County
- Pettis County
- Phelps County
- Pike County
- Polk County
- Pulaski County
- Putnam County
- Ralls County
- Randolph County
- Ray County
- Reynolds County
- Ripley County
- St. Charles County
- St. Clair County
- St. Francois County
- Ste. Genevieve County
- Saline County
- Schuyler County
- Scotland County
- Scott County
- Shannon County
- Shelby County
- Stoddard County
- Stone County
- Sullivan County
- Taney County
- Texas County
- Vernon County
- Warren County
- Washington County
- Wayne County
- Webster County
- Worth County
- Wright County
Missouri Mask Mandates by City:
Columbia
Columbia allowed its mask ordinance to expire on May 12, 2021.
Kansas City
Kansas City lifted its mask mandate on May 14, 2021, but encouraged individuals to respect businesses that still require patrons to wear masks.
Springfield
Springfield City Council voted to end the citywide mask mandate effective May 27, 2021 at 11:59 p.m.
St. Louis City
St. Louis City lifted its mask ordinance on May 14, 2021.
As of May 18, 2021, the following cities lifted their mask mandates or allowed them to expire:
- Branson
- Clinton
- Fulton
- Joplin
- Maryville
- Marshfield
- North Kansas City
- Ozark
- St. Joseph
- Washington