Parson extends Missouri emergency declaration; says gyms, barber shops can reopen May 4

Gov. Mike Parson announced Friday that he will extend Missouri’s emergency declaration through June 15, while maintaining that most Missouri businesses will still be able to open in early May.

The extension of the emergency declaration, set to expire May 15, does not prolong the stay-at-home order, which is effective through May 3. He said the emergency extension allows the state continued flexibility in using certain funds and other resources to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

The governor announced last week that he plans to reopen the state on May 4. He said for the first time Friday that gyms, barber shops and salons will be allowed to open their doors again.

The governor’s lifting of the stay-at-home order does not apply to Missouri cities or other localities with longer-running directives, such as Kansas City and St. Louis City and County. Those will remain in place.

Parson said that businesses allowed to reopen will have to follow guidelines put in place for employees to safely interact with customers. The governor said work on the guidelines is ongoing and that details will be released next week.

“I don’t think you’re going to need government to regulate every thing about how you run your business,” Parson said.” I think number one the business will take it upon [themselves] to make sure the customers feel safe, and frankly the customers are not going to go there if they don’t feel safe.”

Parson didn’t specify whether employees who feel unsafe about returning to work are eligible for unemployment benefits.

“That’s going to be between the employee and the employer to decide whether that’s safe,” he said. “That’s a discussion we’re having right now and probably will be a further discussion on how we’re going to address those issues because we know that problem is going to exist.”

Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas tweeted his disapproval Friday afternoon of Parson’s decision to allow gyms, barber shops and salons to reopen May 4.

The city’s stay-at-home directive runs through May 14. He added that he will officially introduce his reopening plan next week. It will set guidelines for businesses, restaurants and church services. It will also address graduation plans for high school seniors, as well as weddings and other outdoor functions.

Parson noted that for some communities, reopening businesses might take longer.

“If local leaders decide additional measures should be implemented, they may add to the current guidelines,” Parson said.

This story was originally published April 24, 2020 at 5:01 PM.