As much of the state opens up following weeks of restrictions due to COVID-19, the city of Branson voted to do the same.
City aldermen unanimously voted to remove local restrictions from an ordinance passed in March pertaining to social distancing, essential businesses and the spread of communicable diseases.
Residents and businesses in the city of Branson are required to follow all state requirements from the Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services. The ordinance goes into effect immediately.
During an aldermen meeting Monday, officials cited Billboard magazine’s article quoting Gov. Mike Parson’s Show Me Strong recovery plan that would allow for retail stores to serve customers in-store at limited capacities and for restaurants to re-establish dine-in services while remaining socially distanced. Large events and gatherings are no longer banned, but in order to go to a concert, movie theater or stadium, “seating shall be spaced out according to social distancing requirements.”
If theaters have questions about whether or not they can operate, city officials said they should call the state for better clarification.
Retail businesses with 10,000 square feet or less shall operate with 25% occupancy, while those with more than 10,000 square feet may only operate with 10% occupancy or less, according to the recovery plan.
In accordance with the guidelines from President Donald Trump, the CDC and the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services, people shall not visit nursing homes, long-term care facilities, retirement homes, or assisted living homes unless to provide critical assistance or in end-of-life circumstances, according to the governor’s recovery plan. Elderly or otherwise vulnerable populations should take enhanced precautionary measures to mitigate the risks of contracting COVID-19.
The governor’s order is in effect through May 31.
Taney County Health Department Director Lisa Marshall said people should continue social distancing while they are out, and it is the health department’s recommendation that facial coverings or masks be worn.
Several audience members argued during public comment that they should be able to wear or not wear a mask if they so choose with no consequences.
“I believe in freedom first, even to a degree above our safety,” one audience member said.
It is currently not against any law to not wear a mask or facial covering; however, the CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.
SPRINGFIELD NEWS-LEADER
An “online exclusive” is an article or story that does not run in the print edition of the Houston Herald but appears on the newspaper’s website. Typically 2 or 3 are posted online every Wednesday morning. It’s another feature designed for users who purchase full web access from the Herald.