Stay-at-home orders conflict, businesses to reopen

Some+Missouri+businesses+to+reopen+May+4%2C+with+St.+Louis+City+and+County+continuing+their+stay-at-home+order+until+May+15.+

Kate Schreiber

Some Missouri businesses to reopen May 4, with St. Louis City and County continuing their stay-at-home order until May 15.

St. Louis City and County will come to a joint decision on when stay-at-home orders are lifted, according to St. Louis City Mayor Lyda Krewson during a Facebook live briefing on Monday, April 27. Krewson said that she would reevaluate the decision no later than May 15. Governor Mike Parson announced in his ‘Show Me Strong Recovery’ plan Monday, April 27, that businesses in Missouri would begin Phase one of reopening Monday, May 4. 

 

However, some St. Louis businesses have expressed that they want to file a lawsuit against St. Louis City or County if they do not lift the order for businesses when Missouri does. The framework for Governor Parson’s plan states that, “Some communities may be able to reopen at a faster rate than others. Local officials will have the authority to put further rules, regulations, or ordinances in place so long as they are not inconsistent with the statewide order.” Surrounding areas such as Kansas City, MO also extended their stay-at-home order to May 15. 

 

Governor Parson’s phase one plan includes reopening a wide variety of venues, including restaurants, gyms, churches and barbershops. He also mentioned a return of sporting events and non-essential hospital procedures. Parson said this reopening still requires safety measures such as social distancing and good hygiene.

 

St. Louis County Parks announced that they are reopening 32 of 54 parks in the area. They still recommend continuing social distancing and other safety procedures.  

 

According to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Missouri has over 7300 cases and over 300 deaths as of Tuesday, April 28. 

 

This story will be updated as more information is released.