Rolla passes mask mandate, capacity limitations as COVID-19 cases surge

ROLLA, Mo. (KY3) - Starting Friday, Rolla residents will have to wear masks in all public places, follow social distancing guidelines and have large venues limited to 25% capacity.

The city council approved the rules on a 9-3 vote at a special meeting Monday night that included more than two hours of public comment.

Rolla’s Mayor wanted the community to set any differing opinions aside and unite during the pandemic. ”We cannot let this divide this community, Rolla is known to pull together, let’s remember that,” said Mayor Louis J. Magdits IV. “This is a 50/50 issue, but I think when we walk out of here we have to tilt one way in favor, we have to work together.”

The new rules go into effect at 6 a.m. on Friday, November 27th. The ordinance is set to expire February 2, unless extended.

The Phelps County Commissioner ended the meeting saying they have 200,000 masks available for small businesses. He said if businesses cannot get their hands on an ample supply of masks before Black Friday, they can head to either the St. James or the Rolla Chamber of Commerce buildings for some of those masks. He just asked everyone be “neighborly,” only taking what is needed.