Missouri’s Stay-At-Home Order: What It Means
Effective April 6th, 2020, Governor Parson directed the Director of Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services to issue a Stay at Home Order. Dr. Randal Williams issued the order to help combat the further spread of COVID-19. Here in Kansas City, local officials have made sure to do what they can to help combat the spread of the novel coronavirus, including issuing a state of emergency for Kansas City on March 12th. However, these orders and declarations may leave many Missourians wondering what is and isn’t allowed during this time. For example, can you call for a tow during this time? We’ve answered this and other questions to help our customers and clients navigate this confusing time.
“Stay Home Missouri” Order
The order, which took effect on Monday, directs “all Missourians to avoid leaving their residences unless necessary and to practice social distancing when they need to travel outside their homes to work, access foods, prescriptions, health care, and other necessities, or to engage in an outdoor activity.” However, one important distinction that must be made between Missouri’s order and other states’ orders is that this order does not require all businesses statewide to close or cease operation, whether they’re deemed essential or not.
Do Non-Essential Businesses in Missouri Have to Close?
No, non-essential businesses in Missouri do not have to close, as long as they comply with the social gathering and social distance requirements of the Order. The Missouri Governor’s website states that “[t]his means that no more than 10 individuals can occupy a single space; this includes both employees and customers. Individuals must also maintain at least 6 feet of distance between themselves and others. Employees must also practice good hygiene and sanitation to limit the spread of COVID-19. Businesses are also encouraged to allow individuals, where feasible, to work from home to achieve optimum isolation.”
Can I Get My Car Towed During Coronavirus?
Yes, you can get your car towed during the “Missouri Stay Home” Order. Transportation workers and first responders are classified as an essential business. Many towing companies, including Santa Fe Towing, are implementing new social distancing and disinfection standards during business operations to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Here’s a list of other things you’re allowed to do under the “Missouri Stay Home” order, according to the Missouri Governor’s website:
You can still get your car towed during the “Stay Home Missouri” Order. Call Santa Fe Towing Service for 24/7/365 service!
- Go to grocery, convenience, or warehouse stores.
- Go to the pharmacy to pick up medications and other healthcare necessities.
- Go to medical appointments (check with your doctor or provider first).
- Go to a restaurant for takeout, delivery, or drive-thru.
- Go to a place of worship – just make sure that no more than 10 people are in any single space at one time and keep 6 feet of distance between you and others.
- Take a walk, ride your bike, hike, fish, hunt, golf and be in nature for exercise – just keep six feet of distance between you and others.
- Receive deliveries from any business which delivers.
What Am I Not Allowed To Do During the “Missouri Stay Home” Order?
The Governor’s office has said that individuals may not do the following until the Order is lifted:
- Visit state office buildings that are closed to the public.
- Stand closer than 6 feet of distance from others.
- Visit loved ones in nursing homes, long term care facilities, and assisted living homes, unless you are providing critical assistance.
Which Businesses Are Considered “Essential” Under the “Missouri Stay Home” Order?
The Missouri Stay-at-Home Order refers businesses to the CISA for guidance on whether the work their employees do is considered “essential.” Some examples of essential businesses include, but are not limited to:
- Healthcare workers and caregivers
- Law enforcement, firefighters, and first responders
- Government operations
- Mental health and Social Service workers
- Pharmacy employees
- Workers supporting groceries, pharmacies and other retail sales of food and beverage products
- Restaurant carryout and quick-serve food operations and food delivery employees
- Farmworkers
- Electricity and Utility Industry Employees
- Critical Manufacturing Employees (medical supply chains, energy, transportation, food, chemicals)
- Petroleum, Natural and Propane Gas Workers
- Transportation and Logistics Workers
- Communications and Information Technology Employees
The Missouri Governor’s website states that “[w]orkplaces that qualify as essential under the guidance may remain open. Workers onsite should take all necessary precautions to reduce the transmission of COVID-19, including practicing social distancing except when performance of job duties require otherwise.”
Can Childcare Providers Continue Operations During Coronavirus in Missouri?
Yes, childcare providers, daycares, and schools providing child care for working families can “continue operations but should follow the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance targeted for those operations.”
Do Restaurants Have to Close During Coronavirus in Missouri?
No, restaurants do not have to close during the “Stay Home Missouri” Order. The Governor advises that restaurants can remain open as “long as the other requirements of the Order are being followed and individuals are encouraged to use those options. Restaurants may provide dine-in services, but can only have 10 people or less within the restaurant for dining service and shall maintain at least 6 feet of distance between all individuals that are not family members. The 10 person limitation includes both employees and customers together.”
How Will the “Stay Home Missouri” Order Be Enforced?
Missouri State is “working with local health authorities to support the order. Local health authorities and law enforcement maintain the same jurisdiction and authority they have always had.”
When Will the “Stay Home Missouri” Order Be Lifted?
The “Stay Home Missouri” Order is in place until the late evening of Friday, April 24th, 2020. The Governor’s website states that “the Order will be re-evaluated before it expires to make sure it does not need to be restricted or extended.”
How Can Santa Fe Towing Services Help You?
We understand that this is a trying time for many individuals and businesses. If you find yourself in need of an emergency tow during this time, our tow technicians are on call twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Call now for exemplary service and to get where you need to go.