93.9 The Eagle – The News and Talk of Columbia, MO
More relaxed restrictions are on the way in Columbia and Boone County.
Health director Stephanie Browning said Friday the changes will take effect May 26. Here are some highlights, according to the city:
- All businesses can reopen with occupancy limitations and social distancing requirements.
- Restaurants and bars can operate at 50% seating capacity.
- Under this order, retail businesses can operate at 50% capacity. However, retail establishments are restricted under Governor Parson’s state order as follows until May 31 unless extended:
- For smaller locations (less than 10,000 square feet), they must maintain 25% or less of the authorized occupancy.
- For larger locations (10,000 square feet or greater), they must maintain 10% or less of the authorized occupancy.
- Facilities that offer personal care services, such as hair and nail salons, massage services and others, can operate with 50% occupancy or a total of 25 people, whichever is fewer.
- Large venues, entertainment facilities, movie theaters and nightclubs are to submit an operational plan to PHHS before reopening.
- Mass gatherings of more than 50 people are not permitted. Social distancing should continue to be practiced at all times when around others not in the same household.
- Playgrounds are now open.
- Child care, day camps, and other dependent services can operate with stable group sizes of up to 25 children.
- Sports
- Non-contact and limited-contact sports such as baseball, softball and volleyball can begin playing.
- Contact sports such as football, soccer and wrestling can have non-contact practices.
- Spectators are limited to 50% capacity or 50 people, whichever is less and social distancing must be practiced.
The guidelines depend on a continuing low number of coronavirus cases, and adequate testing, hospital supplies, and contact tracing. Businesses can email businessguidance@CoMo.gov with questions.
(This story was last updated at 10:41 a.m. Friday.)
