In the last 30 days, Lafayette County has seen an increase of 65-percent in the number of COVID-19 cases that have been reported. Due to this fact, the Lafayette County Health Department has issued a requirement that all persons in Lafayette County shall wear a face covering (mask) at all times when indoors in all public and private buildings and when outdoors. There are some exceptions to this order:

1. Exceptions:
   1. Indoor spaces
      1. Face coverings are not required inside a solitary, enclosed workspace such as an office
      2. Face coverings can be removed in restaurants and bars when individuals are actively eating or drinking, but must be worn at all other times

• Face coverings are not required when individuals are speaking to a group provided they will be able to maintain a minimum 6 feet social distancing from all others during presentation

1. While obtaining services that require temporary removal of the face covering, such as a dental or medical examination
2. Private residences are exempt, but hallways, elevators, and other common areas in apartment buildings, condominiums, and other medium or high-density structures are NOT exempt
   1. It is STRONGLY recommended to wear face coverings in private individual’s indoor/outdoor spaces where non-household members are gathered and where social distancing cannot be observed
3. Properties belonging to and under the jurisdiction of local public/private schools will fall under school facilities current COVID-19 policy as long as a minimum of 6 feet social distancing can be maintained.
   1. It is STRONGLY recommended to wear face coverings in schools.

• Places of worship will be exempt as long as a minimum of 6 feet social distancing can be maintained.
  1. It is STRONGLY recommended to wear face coverings in places of worship if social distancing guidelines cannot be maintained. Places of worship are encouraged to establish policies which protect their diverse membership, including many from vulnerable populations.
• When in a business /commercial/ office setting and not within 6 feet of any other person, provided however, when moving from place to place within a business location, where the person cannot maintain social distancing guidelines, a face covering shall be worn

1. While exercising indoors when able to maintain social distancing guidance

1. Outdoor spaces
   1. While outdoors when able to maintain social distancing guidance
   2. While exercising outdoors when able to maintain social distancing guidance

• When engaging in sporting activity provided that adequate social distancing and face covering provisions are observed as is possible

1. When engaged in outdoor labor /work during extreme heat provided that adequate social distancing and face covering provisions are observed as is possible
2. Face coverings are not required when individuals are driving alone or with household members; when individuals are exercising alone or with household members

1. Additional exceptions/guidance
   1. When any party to a communication is hearing impaired and not wearing a face covering is essential to communication
   2. Voting sites for the purpose of voting or administering an election are exempt but are encouraged to abide by appropriate public health measures including face covering, social distancing, personal hygiene and, sanitizing of shared surfaces

• When necessary to confirm the individual’s identity

1. When federal or state law prohibits wearing the face covering or requires the removal of the face covering
2. When requested by a law enforcement officer
3. When requested by a medical provider, including emergency response personnel

• Students who participate in school sponsored activities (Sports, clubs), while participating in school activities, will fall under the school facility’s current COVID-19 policy. Spectators and parents/guardians will continue to fall under this public health order
• Children younger than 5 years of age and
  1. Children younger than 2 years of age should NEVER wear face coverings due to risk of suffocation
  2. Children 2, 3, and 4 years of age provided they have assistance and close supervision of an adult, are STRONGLY recommended to wear a face covering at all times in settings where it is likely that a distance of at least 6 feet cannot be maintained from non-household members

1. Persons with a medical condition, mental health condition, or disability that prevents wearing a face covering. This includes, but is not limited to, persons with a medical condition for whom wearing a face covering could obstruct breathing or who are unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove a face covering without assistance

Businesses are required to post signs reminding customers of this requirement.

1. In compliance with Sections 192.300 and 192.320 RSMO, the Public Health Officer requests the county and local law enforcement assist in enforcement of this order. Violation of any provision of this order shall be considered a violation of section 192.320 RSMO which is a Class C misdemeanor.

This order will go into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Monday, August 10 and will remain in effect until Wednesday, September 30.