Stay home, Missourians!
April 8, 2020
Sheila Harris
Missourians are now under a state-mandated order to remain at home. In a news broadcast Friday, April 3, Governor Mike Parson announced a “Stay Home Missouri” order, which began Monday, April 6, and will continue through 11:59 p.m. Friday, April 24, 2020.
The order comes just 24 hours after Barry County officials announced an extension of the Public Health and Emergency Declaration for county residents which will now extend through April 30. The county measure, initially put in place on March 23, will extend limitations for Barry County residents past the April 24 state requirement.
The “Stay Home Missouri” order, with regulations spelled out by Director Randall W. Williams, M.D., of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, instructs individuals residing within the state of Missouri to avoid leaving their homes or places of residence, except to access food, gas, banks, prescriptions, health care and other necessities, to engage in outdoor activities, or to go to and from places of worship, provided limitations on social distancing are properly adhered to.
Social gatherings are limited to 10 people or less, with at least six feet required between unrelated people.
Restaurant services are restricted to curb-side or drive-through only.
Retail establishments that provide necessities and employ essential workers are instructed to limit the number of customers allowed in a retail location at one time.Barry County has placed the following limits on building occupancy: a total number of customers equal to 10% of the total square footage of the building divided by 30. Note: this number is exclusive of employees and individuals delivering products and providing services necessary to continued operations
In accordance with guidelines from the President of the United States and The Centers for Disease Control, the following Missouri ordinances also apply:
• Public and charter schools shall remain closed, although they are not prohibited from providing nutritional support to qualifying students, and staff is permitted to enter the building in accordance with directives set forth in this order.
• Every person in the state of Missouri shall avoid eating or drinking at restaurants, bars or food courts. The use of drive-through, carry-out or pick-up options is allowed.
• Residents of Missouri are prohibited from visiting nursing homes, long-term care facilities, retirement homes, or assisted living facilities, except to provide critical care.
Although all state offices are closed to the public, essential state functions shall continue.
The state and county orders are enforceable by all state and local health authorities.
“First and foremost, I want everyone to know I love this state and the people of this state,” Governor Parson said. “The people of this great state clearly define who we are in Missouri, and as governor, I have no greater responsibility than to protect the health, well-being, and safety of all Missourians.”
According to the Department of Health and Human Services order, counties and municipalities may issue further regulations in keeping with the state mandate, which may be necessary for a particular locality.
“The extension of the Barry County measure through April 30, past the state’s deadline, is necessary to assist in limiting the number of additional cases of COVID-19 in Barry County,” Health Department Administrator, Roger Brock, stated.
The number of confirmed cases in Barry County still remains at one, although, according to statistics, 37 people have been tested, with eight tests still pending results.
Emergency Management Director David Compton and Barry County Health Department Administrator Roger Brock remind Barry County residents that these basic measures of required social distancing are our first line of defense in combating the spread of COVID-19 in our community.
Non-essential businesses must not operate until the authorizing Emergency Declaration is lifted or allowed to expire. Non-essential businesses and/or services include all businesses and/or services not specifically designated as Essential in these rules.
Non-essential businesses and services include, but are not limited to:
• Gymnasiums (unless operated by and at a medical facility), fitness centers, and health clubs.
• Personal services including tanning salons and services, nail services, spa type services, therapeutic massage (unless under the care of a physician.)
• Hair cutting, styling, washing, or coloring services.
• Other types of non-physician dermatological services.
• Body decoration/modification services, including tattooing, piercing, branding, scarification, shaping, implants, scalpelling, and painting.
• Domesticated animal grooming services.
• Wedding and Wedding Services.
• Auction services – not related to legally required estate sales and essential supply chains (food, medical, energy, transportation, water, and defense.)
• Retail stores not providing essential goods and services, such as, but not limited to, furniture stores, clothing stores, general merchandise, and consignment goods stores.
• Athletic events, including, but not limited to, athletic leagues, games, tournaments, practices, or other events have more than 10 people total in the same space or do not maintain the 6-foot distancing requirements.
Essential businesses – May continue modified operations as directed in these rules.
• Healthcare and Public Health Services – broadly interpreted to ensure continued delivery of healthcare. This includes mental health services, home health and care, pharmacies, assisted and skilled care facilities, blood and plasma donation services, and other direct and indirect care services.
• Veterinary care and other healthcare services for animals, including boarding services.
• Public Safety Services – This includes Law Enforcement, Security Services, Fire Services, Emergency Medical Services, Emergency Dispatch, County Coroner, Emergency Management, other first responders necessary to prevent, respond, and mitigate to emergency or hazardous situations, whether paid or volunteer.
• Mortuary Services, including funeral homes, crematoriums and cemetery workers. Not more than 10 persons at a time will be allowed into a funeral, visitation, wake, or other service.
• Social Services, which provide food, shelter, and other necessities of life to disadvantaged or otherwise needy individuals.
• Emergency Shelters, during emergency conditions person may enter shelter, irrespective of the 10-person limit or the required 6-foot distancing requirements. This is a short-term emergency shelter to protect persons from an immediate threat, such as severe weather.
• Grocery stores, food banks, convenience stores and other retailers, whose primary business is the purveying of canned, fresh, or frozen fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, poultry, and other necessary household sundries (such as cleaning, personal hygiene, laundry, baby goods, safety, and nutrition). Social distancing of 6 feet between no domicile individuals must be maintained. Only necessary persons should be present to shop. We suggest the 1 cart 1 person rule. The use of drive thru, curbside, carry away, and delivery services are strongly encouraged.
• Farmers markets, produce stands, and other temporary locations must provide drive thru, curbside, or carry away services.
• Businesses whose primary purpose is the retail sale and distribution of alcohol are permitted. Owners and/or employees must take appropriate action to prevent more than 10 people total in the same space and the people must maintain the 6-foot distancing requirements.
• Restaurants, schools, or other organizations providing drive thru, curbside, carry away, and delivery services of cooked or un-cooked food, as allowed by law.
• Agriculture and food cultivation, including farming, livestock, fishing, and direct services that provide direct services, products, and equipment that ensure essential food chain operations.
• Construction services, critical home and building repairs, plumbing, electrical, and other service necessary to provide essential safe, sanitary, and secure building and home systems, including lawn and landscaping services that manage grass, weeds, and vegetation.
• Pest control for the interior and exterior of homes and buildings, provided social distancing of 6 feet between non-domiciled individuals be maintained.
• Inspection service for construction and repairs, as required and necessary, for new and existing homes and buildings.
• Building and supply stores, retail and wholesale, necessary construction and building services. Social distancing of 6 feet between non-domiciled individuals must be maintained.
• Home care services, such as cleaning, especially in support of other essential employees, provided social distancing of 6 feet between non-domiciled individuals is maintained at all times.
• Public infrastructure support and maintenance, including public works installation, inspection, and support.
• Waste and wastewater maintenance and operations, including processing, treatment, conveyance, and distribution.
• Energy, electricity, petroleum, natural and propane gas, acquisition, including production, generation, processing, storage, and wholesale and retail distribution. This includes the retail sale of individual petroleum fuels and fuel oils, natural and propane gases, and batteries for vehicles.
• Communications infrastructure support and maintenance. Including the installation of communication equipment and infrastructure in homes and buildings.
• Information technology development, management, support, and security, including client service centers. Social distancing of 6 feet between non-domiciled individuals must be maintained.
• Hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, provided they offer only drive thru, curbside, carry away, and delivery food services.
• Logistics and transportation services of goods and people, including for-hire and not-for hire providers and businesses that ship and/or deliver food, goods, and services directly to businesses and residences. Social distancing to the extent practicable between non-domiciled individuals must be maintained when sharing space in a vehicle of design.
• Vehicle repair and maintenance facilities. Social distancing of 6 feet between non-domiciled individuals must be maintained.
• Vehicle parts stores, manufacturers, and suppliers, retail and wholesale, necessary. Social distancing of 6 feet between non-domiciled individuals must be maintained.
• Childcare facilities, providing services to employees, managers, operators, and owners of essential businesses, services, and activities. Stable groups of 10 or less per, appropriately sized, room must be maintained. Stable groups are the same 10 or fewer children grouped together each day. There should be no combining or splitting or groups once established. Social distancing to the extent practicable between non-domiciled individuals must be maintained.
• Legal and financial services including banks, property services, appraisal, title and inspection services. Social distancing of 6 feet between non-domiciled individuals must be maintained.
• Necessary local, county, state, and national government services, as determined by the elected officials with jurisdiction over the service or office.
• Mailing and shipping services, private and/or government operated.
• Critical supply chains, including food, medical, energy, transportation, water, and defense supply chains.
• Legally protected activities, including:
• Constitutionally protected religious activities. Owners, employees, organizers, and clergy must take appropriate action to prevent no more than 10 people at an event or service, including food or supply distribution. People must also maintain the 6-foot distancing requirements. Religious activity to support distance and/or virtual services is strongly encouraged.
• RSMo. 44.101 - the lawful possession, transfer, sale, transportation, storage, display, or use of firearms or ammunition.
The symptoms of COVID-19 (cough, fever, difficulty breathing) may occur two days to two weeks after exposure. Although most cases have been mild, the disease is especially dangerous for the elderly and others with weaker immune systems. Those most at risk should avoid travel and contact with non-family members.
To be evaluated for symptoms of COVID-19, or if symptoms worsen, we ask individuals to call their local medical provider or hospital before seeking treatment, in order to give them a warning so safety precautions can be taken prior to their arrival to help prevent the infection of others.
The Missouri Department of Health and Human Services is operating a hotline for residents and health care providers to call for information and guidance about COVID-19. The statewide hotline number is 877-435-8411. The hotline is being operated by medical professionals and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
For more information and resources regarding COVID-19, visit the CDC’s website at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus and the DHSS website at www.health.
Sheila Harris
Missourians are now under a state-mandated order to remain at home. In a news broadcast Friday, April 3, Governor Mike Parson announced a “Stay Home Missouri” order, which began Monday, April 6, and will continue through 11:59 p.m. Friday, April 24, 2020.
The order comes just 24 hours after Barry County officials announced an extension of the Public Health and Emergency Declaration for county residents which will now extend through April 30. The county measure, initially put in place on March 23, will extend limitations for Barry County residents past the April 24 state requirement.
The “Stay Home Missouri” order, with regulations spelled out by Director Randall W. Williams, M.D., of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, instructs individuals residing within the state of Missouri to avoid leaving their homes or places of residence, except to access food, gas, banks, prescriptions, health care and other necessities, to engage in outdoor activities, or to go to and from places of worship, provided limitations on social distancing are properly adhered to.
Social gatherings are limited to 10 people or less, with at least six feet required between unrelated people.
Restaurant services are restricted to curb-side or drive-through only.
Retail establishments that provide necessities and employ essential workers are instructed to limit the number of customers allowed in a retail location at one time.Barry County has placed the following limits on building occupancy: a total number of customers equal to 10% of the total square footage of the building divided by 30. Note: this number is exclusive of employees and individuals delivering products and providing services necessary to continued operations
In accordance with guidelines from the President of the United States and The Centers for Disease Control, the following Missouri ordinances also apply:
• Public and charter schools shall remain closed, although they are not prohibited from providing nutritional support to qualifying students, and staff is permitted to enter the building in accordance with directives set forth in this order.
• Every person in the state of Missouri shall avoid eating or drinking at restaurants, bars or food courts. The use of drive-through, carry-out or pick-up options is allowed.
• Residents of Missouri are prohibited from visiting nursing homes, long-term care facilities, retirement homes, or assisted living facilities, except to provide critical care.
Although all state offices are closed to the public, essential state functions shall continue.
The state and county orders are enforceable by all state and local health authorities.
“First and foremost, I want everyone to know I love this state and the people of this state,” Governor Parson said. “The people of this great state clearly define who we are in Missouri, and as governor, I have no greater responsibility than to protect the health, well-being, and safety of all Missourians.”
According to the Department of Health and Human Services order, counties and municipalities may issue further regulations in keeping with the state mandate, which may be necessary for a particular locality.
“The extension of the Barry County measure through April 30, past the state’s deadline, is necessary to assist in limiting the number of additional cases of COVID-19 in Barry County,” Health Department Administrator, Roger Brock, stated.
The number of confirmed cases in Barry County still remains at one, although, according to statistics, 37 people have been tested, with eight tests still pending results.
Emergency Management Director David Compton and Barry County Health Department Administrator Roger Brock remind Barry County residents that these basic measures of required social distancing are our first line of defense in combating the spread of COVID-19 in our community.
Non-essential businesses must not operate until the authorizing Emergency Declaration is lifted or allowed to expire. Non-essential businesses and/or services include all businesses and/or services not specifically designated as Essential in these rules.
Non-essential businesses and services include, but are not limited to:
• Gymnasiums (unless operated by and at a medical facility), fitness centers, and health clubs.
• Personal services including tanning salons and services, nail services, spa type services, therapeutic massage (unless under the care of a physician.)
• Hair cutting, styling, washing, or coloring services.
• Other types of non-physician dermatological services.
• Body decoration/modification services, including tattooing, piercing, branding, scarification, shaping, implants, scalpelling, and painting.
• Domesticated animal grooming services.
• Wedding and Wedding Services.
• Auction services – not related to legally required estate sales and essential supply chains (food, medical, energy, transportation, water, and defense.)
• Retail stores not providing essential goods and services, such as, but not limited to, furniture stores, clothing stores, general merchandise, and consignment goods stores.
• Athletic events, including, but not limited to, athletic leagues, games, tournaments, practices, or other events have more than 10 people total in the same space or do not maintain the 6-foot distancing requirements.
Essential businesses – May continue modified operations as directed in these rules.
• Healthcare and Public Health Services – broadly interpreted to ensure continued delivery of healthcare. This includes mental health services, home health and care, pharmacies, assisted and skilled care facilities, blood and plasma donation services, and other direct and indirect care services.
• Veterinary care and other healthcare services for animals, including boarding services.
• Public Safety Services – This includes Law Enforcement, Security Services, Fire Services, Emergency Medical Services, Emergency Dispatch, County Coroner, Emergency Management, other first responders necessary to prevent, respond, and mitigate to emergency or hazardous situations, whether paid or volunteer.
• Mortuary Services, including funeral homes, crematoriums and cemetery workers. Not more than 10 persons at a time will be allowed into a funeral, visitation, wake, or other service.
• Social Services, which provide food, shelter, and other necessities of life to disadvantaged or otherwise needy individuals.
• Emergency Shelters, during emergency conditions person may enter shelter, irrespective of the 10-person limit or the required 6-foot distancing requirements. This is a short-term emergency shelter to protect persons from an immediate threat, such as severe weather.
• Grocery stores, food banks, convenience stores and other retailers, whose primary business is the purveying of canned, fresh, or frozen fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, poultry, and other necessary household sundries (such as cleaning, personal hygiene, laundry, baby goods, safety, and nutrition). Social distancing of 6 feet between no domicile individuals must be maintained. Only necessary persons should be present to shop. We suggest the 1 cart 1 person rule. The use of drive thru, curbside, carry away, and delivery services are strongly encouraged.
• Farmers markets, produce stands, and other temporary locations must provide drive thru, curbside, or carry away services.
• Businesses whose primary purpose is the retail sale and distribution of alcohol are permitted. Owners and/or employees must take appropriate action to prevent more than 10 people total in the same space and the people must maintain the 6-foot distancing requirements.
• Restaurants, schools, or other organizations providing drive thru, curbside, carry away, and delivery services of cooked or un-cooked food, as allowed by law.
• Agriculture and food cultivation, including farming, livestock, fishing, and direct services that provide direct services, products, and equipment that ensure essential food chain operations.
• Construction services, critical home and building repairs, plumbing, electrical, and other service necessary to provide essential safe, sanitary, and secure building and home systems, including lawn and landscaping services that manage grass, weeds, and vegetation.
• Pest control for the interior and exterior of homes and buildings, provided social distancing of 6 feet between non-domiciled individuals be maintained.
• Inspection service for construction and repairs, as required and necessary, for new and existing homes and buildings.
• Building and supply stores, retail and wholesale, necessary construction and building services. Social distancing of 6 feet between non-domiciled individuals must be maintained.
• Home care services, such as cleaning, especially in support of other essential employees, provided social distancing of 6 feet between non-domiciled individuals is maintained at all times.
• Public infrastructure support and maintenance, including public works installation, inspection, and support.
• Waste and wastewater maintenance and operations, including processing, treatment, conveyance, and distribution.
• Energy, electricity, petroleum, natural and propane gas, acquisition, including production, generation, processing, storage, and wholesale and retail distribution. This includes the retail sale of individual petroleum fuels and fuel oils, natural and propane gases, and batteries for vehicles.
• Communications infrastructure support and maintenance. Including the installation of communication equipment and infrastructure in homes and buildings.
• Information technology development, management, support, and security, including client service centers. Social distancing of 6 feet between non-domiciled individuals must be maintained.
• Hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, provided they offer only drive thru, curbside, carry away, and delivery food services.
• Logistics and transportation services of goods and people, including for-hire and not-for hire providers and businesses that ship and/or deliver food, goods, and services directly to businesses and residences. Social distancing to the extent practicable between non-domiciled individuals must be maintained when sharing space in a vehicle of design.
• Vehicle repair and maintenance facilities. Social distancing of 6 feet between non-domiciled individuals must be maintained.
• Vehicle parts stores, manufacturers, and suppliers, retail and wholesale, necessary. Social distancing of 6 feet between non-domiciled individuals must be maintained.
• Childcare facilities, providing services to employees, managers, operators, and owners of essential businesses, services, and activities. Stable groups of 10 or less per, appropriately sized, room must be maintained. Stable groups are the same 10 or fewer children grouped together each day. There should be no combining or splitting or groups once established. Social distancing to the extent practicable between non-domiciled individuals must be maintained.
• Legal and financial services including banks, property services, appraisal, title and inspection services. Social distancing of 6 feet between non-domiciled individuals must be maintained.
• Necessary local, county, state, and national government services, as determined by the elected officials with jurisdiction over the service or office.
• Mailing and shipping services, private and/or government operated.
• Critical supply chains, including food, medical, energy, transportation, water, and defense supply chains.
• Legally protected activities, including:
• Constitutionally protected religious activities. Owners, employees, organizers, and clergy must take appropriate action to prevent no more than 10 people at an event or service, including food or supply distribution. People must also maintain the 6-foot distancing requirements. Religious activity to support distance and/or virtual services is strongly encouraged.
• RSMo. 44.101 - the lawful possession, transfer, sale, transportation, storage, display, or use of firearms or ammunition.
The symptoms of COVID-19 (cough, fever, difficulty breathing) may occur two days to two weeks after exposure. Although most cases have been mild, the disease is especially dangerous for the elderly and others with weaker immune systems. Those most at risk should avoid travel and contact with non-family members.
To be evaluated for symptoms of COVID-19, or if symptoms worsen, we ask individuals to call their local medical provider or hospital before seeking treatment, in order to give them a warning so safety precautions can be taken prior to their arrival to help prevent the infection of others.
The Missouri Department of Health and Human Services is operating a hotline for residents and health care providers to call for information and guidance about COVID-19. The statewide hotline number is 877-435-8411. The hotline is being operated by medical professionals and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
For more information and resources regarding COVID-19, visit the CDC’s website at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus and the DHSS website at www.health.
Based on CDC recommendations, Jessica Swearingen, of Cassville, wears a face-covering while she shops.