Guidelines for businesses, communities under state’s plan

Tuesday, April 28, 2020

According to Missouri Gov. Mike Parson’s “Show Me Strong Recovery Plan” citizens are required to maintain six feet of social distancing space in most cases. There are certain situations that require additional procedures to protect businesses, communities, and citizens.

According to the plan businesses should prepare to implement basic infection prevention measures informed by industry best practices, regarding:

• Protective equipment;

• Temperature checks;

• Testing, isolating, and contact tracing; and

• Sanitation, including disinfection of common and high-traffic areas (entrances, breakrooms, locations where there is high-frequency employee interaction with the public/customers).

Businesses should modify physical workspaces to maximize social distancing and minimize business travel.

Businesses are encouraged to develop an infectious disease preparedness and response plan, including policies and procedures for workforce contact tracing when an employee tests positive for COVID-19 and monitor workforce for indicative symptoms. Businesses should not allow symptomatic people to physically return to work until cleared by a medical provider.

Businesses should also develop, implement and communicate about workplace flexibilities and protections, including:

• Encouraging telework whenever possible and feasible with business operations;

• Returning to work in phases and/or split shifts, if possible;

• Limiting access to common areas where personnel are likely to congregate and interact; and

• Ensuring that sick leave policies are flexible and consistent with public health guidance.

Social distancing requirements shall apply in all situations, including, but not limited to, when customers are standing in line or individuals are using shared indoor or outdoor spaces.

Social distancing requirements do not apply to individuals performing job duties that require contact with other people closer than six feet. They should take enhanced precautionary measures to mitigate the risks of contracting or spreading COVID-19.

Retail businesses shall limit the number of individuals in any particular location.

Restaurants may offer dining-in services, but must adhere to social distancing and other precautionary public health measures. Tables must be spaced at least six feet apart. Communal seating areas for parties that are not connected are prohibited. There can be no more than ten people at a single table. The continued use of drive-thru, pickup or delivery options is encouraged.

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.

Community guidelines

• Limit situations where citizens cannot maintain social distancing.

• Facilitate widespread testing of symptomatic and asymptomatic citizens.

• Work to protect the most vulnerable populations.

• Individuals may go to and from a place of worship, provided that limitations on social distancing are properly adhered to.

• Schools shall remain closed for the remainder of the 2019-20 academic school year.

• Summer school may proceed under guidelines set forth by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

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