ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - On May 18, some St. Louis County businesses will be able to reopen and County Executive Sam Page laid out plans for what that will look like during his Friday press conference.
Things that won't be allowed to reopen include entertainment, conference and sporting venues, sports courts and playgrounds, indoor and outdoor public pools, gyms and fitness centers, and banquet rooms. Page says this does not include professional sports venues who would play games without fans in attendance.
Bars and businesses that only serve alcohol and not meals will be limited to carry out and curbside services. Other restaurants that plan to open will need to follow the below public safety standards, which includes requiring employees to wear masks, limiting themselves to 25% occupancy and installing physical barriers where safe social distancing isn't possible.
“As we start to discuss easing these (stay-at-home) orders, it does not mean we should let our guard down,” Page said “This is a gradual process of reopening our county. A gradual, thoughtful, deliberate and measured process will allow us to continue to move forward.”
- Frequent disinfecting of all high-touch areas
- Provide reasonable breaks for employees to wash hands
- Train employees on social distancing guidelines
- Provide employees with masks and require them to be worn while at work
- Display markings for customers to be able to follow social distancing guidelines
- Daily screenings of all employees for risk of COVID-19 infections
- Allow any employee who tests positive to go into isolation process until they recover
- Allow any employee who came in contact with a COVID-19 positive person to be quarantined
- Businesses will be limited to 25% occupancy of buildings, based on building and fire code
- Physical barriers will need to be installed where 6-feet social distancing isn't possible
- No outside containers can be brought in by customers
- Touchless payment, delivery and pickup should be used whenever possible
Businesses may also deny entry to anyone not wearing a mask.
And for the general public, social gatherings in St. Louis County will be limited to no more than 10 people.