Details of Missouri’s stay-at-home order announced. Some Democrats say it’s too weak
Missouri Gov. Mike Parson on Saturday discussed parts of the stay-at-home order he recently announced that allows businesses to remain open under certain requirements and limits the number of people entering retail stores amid the coronavirus crisis
But some Democrats are saying the order is too weak, including House Minority Leader Crystal Quade, D-Springfield, who stated the directive is “so riddled with exemptions that it differs little” from the state’s previous order issued to prevent the further spread of COVID-19.
The statewide stay-at-home order, announced Friday evening from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, directs Missourians to avoid leaving their homes but does not prohibit people from essential activities, such as traveling for work, picking up food and prescriptions and seeking health care.
Parson spent some time discussing details of the new statewide order but did not address criticism of it during a livestreamed news conference Saturday afternoon.
Parson said occupancy rules will be put in place for essential retail businesses to keep people separated and to maintain safety. According to the state’s health department, smaller retailers less than 10,000-square-feet are being asked to maintain 25% or less of the authorized occupancy. Larger locations, 10,000 square-feet or greater, must maintain 10% or less of the authorized occupancy.
The governor reminded Missourians that being at home “is the safest place you can be” at this time. Statewide, at least 2,291 people have tested positive for COVID-19, and at least 24 have died from the disease. More than 27,000 people have been tested by state and private laboratories.
During a question-and-answer session, the governor repeated earlier statements that businesses considered non-essential must continue to follow the March 21 order that bans gatherings of more than 10 people and requires social distancing. He also said the order will be enforced at the local level.
The stay-at-home order, which goes into effect Monday, will not supersede more stringent stay-at-home orders previously put in place in Missouri counties and cities, including Kansas City.
Some local Democrats from the state legislature, including State Sen. Lauren Arthur of Kansas City, say the new statewide order is a step forward but does not do enough to make a significant impact.
“Families, businesses and health care workers across the state were counting on the Governor to do the right thing, but by including these broad exemptions he seems to get it wrong,” Arthur said in a statement.
State Rep. Greg Razer, also from Kansas City, said he appreciates limitations to the number of people entering retail businesses, but worries that allowing non-essential businesses to stay open “sends the signal to people that it’s still OK to go out and carry on with your everyday routines.”
“The message needs to be clear — stay home.”
The Star’s Jason Hancock contributed to this report.
This story was originally published April 4, 2020 at 6:53 PM.
