ST. LOUIS (KMOX) -- Restaurants on the Missouri side of the St. Louis Metro are closing their dining rooms starting midnight Thursday."It'll be hard on service workers and it will permanently impact our small business community," said Dr. Sam Page, St. Louis County Executive. "But our public health experts tell us this is necessary and when experts talk, we have to listen.The decision affects St. Louis City and County, plus Franklin and St. Charles counties. Restaurants and bars won't be allowed to let people dine in, but they can still offer curbside pickup, drive thru pickup and delivery."I know for sure people aren't going to stop eating," said St. Charles County Executive Steve Ehlmann. "I've got a bad habit of eating out, I don't think I can cook more than one or two things. I'm still going to be eating out and I think most of you are too."Still unclear is Jefferson County's status -- a city of St. Louis spokesman said in a text message he doesn't believe Jefferson County is following suit.Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Sunday ordered bars and restaurants in that state to close their dining rooms, while still allowing pick up and delivery options.© 2020 KMOX (Entercom). All rights reserved.
