New Boone County order lets many businesses open Monday
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Boone County is implementing a new order that goes into effect at 12 a.m. Monday, which includes a framework for most businesses to reopen in some capacity.
The Columbia/Boone County Department of Public Health and Human Services said in a release that the order represents a careful, gradual and phased approach to reopening Columbia and Boone County.
Some major takeaways from the order include suggesting those at a high risk to remain inside except for vital activities. The order also encourages those who can still work from home to continue to do so.
Most businesses will be allowed to reopen, with capacity limits as well as maintaining social distancing guidelines. Smaller locations will be allowed to operate at 25% of their normal capacity while larger businesses will only be allowed to operate at 10%.
Nickie Davis, the executive director of the Downtown Community Improvement District, said she is just happy to get guidance. She says that is the biggest thing they've been waiting for because they want to ensure businesses can open safely.
Davis went on to say that most businesses in downtown Columbia are struggling, but the community has been helping them. She told crews that we'll have to wait and see what those businesses numbers look like here in a few months.
Places such as hair and nail salons, massage services, and others, will have more restrictive capacity limits. The order explains the reasoning behind this, saying that it is impossible to remain socially distant at times in places such as that.
Large venues such as movie theaters, bars and playgrounds will remain closed.
Gatherings of more than ten people are prohibited and the department suggests you practice socially distancing any time you're around others outside of your family.
