Jackson County issues guidelines for slowly reopening business activity outside KC
Jackson County on Wednesday issued 18 pages of rules and guidelines for reopening non-essential businesses and activities on Monday.
They differ in certain respects from the ones that took effect in Kansas City on Wednesday, but are similar, if not identical, to those in neighboring counties.
All stores, personal service providers, restaurants and bars that serve food will be allowed to operate as long as they follow social-distancing practices in those cities and unincorporated areas of Jackson County beyond the boundaries of Kansas City.
Among the largest cities affected are Raytown, Independence, Lee’s Summit, Grandview and Blue Springs.
Gyms, playgrounds, schools and entertainment venues will remain closed during this first phase. An announcement will come later on when they can reopen. No visitors are allowed in nursing homes.
Retail establishments under 10,000 square feet must limit occupancy to no more than 25 percent of what is allowed under fire and building codes. That includes employees and customers.
The same rules apply to restaurants and bars with food service, but takeout service is encouraged over having people dine in. Servers and other workers should wear masks at all times and sanitize hands between tending tables.
Hair care, nail trims, massages and tattoos are allowed at shops by appointment only. Customers must wait outside for their turn and cannot bring anyone with them, unless they are a child and then can have an adult with them.
Funerals, weddings and other normally large gatherings are limited to 10 people, unless the church service is a drive-in event and vehicles are parked so as to meet social distancing guidelines.
In a news release, the county said it “strongly recommends that all residents continue social-distancing protocols, specifically, encouraging seniors and vulnerable populations to stay at home, working remotely if possible, and wearing a mask or face covering when in public.”
The county will continue collecting comments and responses to an online survey at www.jacksongov.org until noon Friday.
This story was originally published May 6, 2020 at 5:44 PM.
