July 16, 2020

We love seeing your beautiful faces in Downtown Springfield. But, starting July 16, we only want to see the top half of that face.

The City of Springfield’s emergency ordinance requiring face coverings in public spaces for everyone over the age of 11 is now in effect. It is effective through 11:59 p.m. Oct. 14, unless extended, rescinded, superseded or amended. The ordinance defines a face covering as a device that covers the nose and mouth. The goal of the ordinance is to slow the spread of COVID-19 in the community.

Need a mask? You can support our locally-owned small businesses! A Cricket in the House, 5 Pound Apparel and The Merry Moore are all carrying masks. In fact, you can shop The Merry Moore online 24/7 and take advantage of curbside service and local delivery! 

Speaking of curbside service and local delivery, you can still support Downtown Springfield even if you’re not ready to venture into public spaces. Many of our restaurants continue to make it easy to get your favorite foods! Check out our resources page for more information.

Make space for your neighbors

The ordinance continues some of the Road to Recovery Plan Phase 3 occupancy requirements. It also continues physical distancing (6 feet) and sanitation measures recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Restaurants no longer have occupancy restrictions. But they must separate groups at least 6 feet apart unless there are solid barriers at least 6 feet tall between tables. Counter and bar seating is still not permitted. Neither are buffets.

Exemptions

There are exemptions for those with health or breathing conditions that prohibit wearing a face covering, who are hearing impaired and people communicating with individuals who are hearing impaired. Other exemptions include:

• While consuming food and drink
• While obtaining a service involving the face or nose for which the temporary removal of the face covering is necessary to perform the service
• While playing a sport, exercising or using exercising equipment while exerting themselves
• While working in settings which might increase the risk of heat-related illnesses
• While outdoors and maintaining a 6-foot distance from others or while outdoors and are closer than 6 feet to solely members of their own household
• While speaking, addressing an audience or performing and are able to maintain a 6-foot distance from others
• While serving as a member of a wedding party during the wedding ceremony and/or taking wedding photos.

Enforcement

Education will be the first step in enforcement. The Springfield Police Department and Health Department will work to educate any violators of the ordinance before issuing citations. Failure to comply can result in a $100 fine for individuals, businesses, governments or non-profit entities. Each individual within or working for the entity is considered a separate violation.

Need more information? Call 417-874-1211, option 3, or visit the FAQs page of the City’s website.