Callaway County businesses adjust to lack of COVID-19 health order
FULTON Mo. (KMIZ)
Now that Missouri's statewide health order has been lifted, businesses around Callaway County are setting their own precautions to protect their customers from COVID-19.
Bryan Hanneke, owner of 1851 Underground Tap & Grill, said Tuesday that although Callaway County has lower COVID-19 numbers compared to other counties across the state, he still feels the business has to do its part.
"Moving forward with less health orders, we're still staying vigilant on our cleaning and sanitization processes," Henneke said. "It's good for the economy to be fully reopened and I think we should start seeing customers pick up in our downtown area."
The Callaway County Health Department Director Sharon Lynch as of 9 a.m. Wednesday, the county has counted 38 total cases of COVID-19, nine of which are active and 28 of which have recovered. One person in Callaway County has died from COVID-19-related complications.
Ben Clay, a First Baptist Church of Fulton associate pastor says while most businesses and organizations are trying to limit occupancy, churches are trying to get people back in for services while still feeling safe.
"The main thing is just trying to encourage people to continue to see the need to meet together and to come back to our facilities and let them know you know we are so encouraging that social distancing," Clay said. "If you feel like you need to wear a mask for safety or things like that, we encourage you to do what you feel, will keep you safe."
At 1851 Underground, Henneke says they're back open to full capacity.
"We looked at what our needs were and addressed how it would work with our workflow and make sure our customers are taken care of and still safe," Hanneke said.
Hanneke says he didn't expect the large turnout as the health order expired but is glad to see people back in town.
"Reopening, we thought we would see a very low turnout but actually we saw very good turnout from our regular customers and customers that we've never had before," Henneke said. "I think people are tired of being stuck at home and ready to come out, enjoy the community again."
Check back for more on this developing story or watch ABC 17 News at 5 and 6.
