April 27, 2020 - Today, Governor Mike Parson began the process of reopening nearly the entire state economy starting on May 4, 2020. The statewide stay-at-home order was issued April 3 and effective April 6.
Today's order outlined implementation of the first phase of Missouri's economic recovery plan, a strategic reopening of Missouri's economy. Through May 31, 2020, the following are in effect:
Individuals and businesses will be required to practice social distancing (maintaining at least 6 feet distance) at all times. Social distancing does not apply to family members and individuals performing job duties that require contact with people closer than 6 feet, but such people are encouraged to take additional precautionary measures;
People shall not visit nursing homes, long-term care facilities, retirement homes, or assisted living homes unless to provide critical assistance or in end-of-life circumstances. Elderly or otherwise vulnerable populations should take enhanced precautionary measures to mitigate the risks of contracting COVID-19;
Any entity that employs individuals that is engaged in retail sales to the public, shall limit the number of individuals in any particular retail location as follows: (1) Twenty-five (25) percent or less of the entity’s authorized fire or building code occupancy, as set by local authorities, for a retail location with square footage of less than ten thousand square feet (10,000 ft²); (2) Ten (10) percent or less of the entity’s authorized fire or building code occupancy, as set by local authorities, for a retail location with square footage of ten thousand square feet (10,000 ft²) or more;
Schools are to remain closed through the end of the regular school year, but school districts are given discretion to hold summer school, as long as social distancing is "properly adhered to" and daycares are allowed to continue to operate in accordance with CDC guidelines;
Restaurants may offer dining-in services, provided that the limitations on social distancing and other precautionary public health measures, including proper spacing of at least six feet (6’) between tables, lack of communal seating areas to parties that are not connected, and having no more than ten (10) people at a single table, are properly adhered to. The continued use of drive-thru, pickup, or delivery options is encouraged; and,
State office buildings shall be open to the public as soon as practicable, and essential state functions shall continue. The State Capitol Building shall remain open to the public during meetings or proceedings of the General Assembly.
As with the statewide stay-at-home order, Governor Parson said local government officials and bodies could enact more stringent local ordinances, rules, regulations and orders not inconsistent with the state order.
Governor Parson also issued a document with frequently asked questions which is available HERE.
Governor Parson's full order is available HERE. The FAQ document incorporates many of the suggestions made by Missouri employers in response to a survey Associated Industries of Missouri conducted. The results of that survey were shared with the Governor's staff.