City of Independence Mayor Eileen Weir, in consultation with Acting Health Director Christina Heinen, announced that effective immediately on Friday, May 14, masks are not required indoors or outdoors and all social distancing capacity restrictions have been lifted. However, those who have not been vaccinated are strongly encouraged to wear a mask in all public settings.
“Since declaring a State of Emergency on March 12, 2020, our city has followed the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control, which now allows fully vaccinated people to cease wearing a mask indoors and outdoors in the City of Independence,” Mayor Eileen Weir said. “Our community has made tremendous sacrifices and shown incredible strength and compassion over the past 14 months, and today marks a significant milestone in our public health efforts to battle the global pandemic.”
It is important to note:
Vaccines are now readily available for free to anyone 12 or older. Find a list of regional vaccination providers as well as times for Independence clinics at indep.us/vaccines.
The Independence Health Department was recognized as a Local Public Health Authority (LPHA) by the State of Missouri in November, 2020. The Independence Health Department has conducted more than 8,000 COVID-19 tests and distributed more than 16,000 doses of Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.
“Our relentless persistence in pursuing LPHA status for the Independence Health Department has allowed Independence to play a critical role in protecting the public’s health across our region and the State of Missouri thanks to the valiant efforts of our city leadership, professional staff, and thousands of Medical Reserve Corps volunteers,” Mayor Weir said.
Further information will be provided on City facility hours and operations at a later time. The City of Independence remains under a State of Emergency at this time.
Find the full Health Orders here (Update coming soon).
View the Safer Independence Guidelines FAQs (linked below) for more information.