Updated Mask Requirement at John Knox Village

Masks Required Again at John Knox Village

Based on recent recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention regarding areas with high COVID-19 transmission rates, John Knox Village is announcing that effective Monday, August 2, 2021, all residents, associates and visitors to our campus must wear masks indoors in public, except when actively eating or drinking.

There are no additional requirements at this time. The directive does apply regardless of vaccination status.

Missouri has one of the highest transmission rates in the nation, and the presence of the virus in this area is growing daily.

This color-coded map of the US shows the zones where the CDC recommends mask-wearing.

Red areas have the highest levels of transmission.

The cities of Kansas City and St. Louis have both imposed mask mandates, and we know that other area municipalities are contemplating similar regulations. Mostly, we believe it is the right thing to do – to protect the health and safety of those who live here, those who work here, and those who are visiting our campus. Looking out for one another is the very definition of community, and that sense of safety and security is a large part of the reason people choose to move to the Village.

John Knox Village is a health care organization that provides care and services to some of the most vulnerable people. The vaccine is an outstanding tool to prevent COVID-19 infections, and an even better tool for preventing serious illness, hospitalization and death from the coronavirus, and we are thrilled that nearly all of our residents chose to be vaccinated. The mask is an additional layer of protection.

As we have said throughout the pandemic, when it comes to COVID-19 we follow the guidance of several authorities, including the CDC, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and county and state health departments, and that if the situation in the area changes, we may have to adapt our rules to comply. We have arrived at that moment.

Stay tuned for any additional guidance that may be developed.

Stay safe,

Brian Opoka

Public Safety Director