Governor Mike Parson on Friday issued a statewide “Stay Home Missouri” Order effective from 12:01 a.m. on Monday until 11:59 p.m. on April 24.
The order comes as the nation, state and local communities deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. Following the Governor’s announcement, the Lebanon City Council cancelled a special meeting Friday night at which Councilmen would have voted on a city-wide stay-at-home order.
Mayor Jared Carr said he had directed city staff to begin implementing the state’s directive.
“We want to thank Gov. Parson for making a difficult but necessary decision for the state of Missouri,” Carr said. “I also want to express my appreciation to the council, the Laclede County Health Department and City staff for their continuous efforts to keep Lebanon safe.”
As details of the governor’s directive are released, the City’s website and social media outlets will be updated with the most current information.
“I want to encourage our citizens to continue persevering over the coming weeks and days,” Carr said. “We must work together to maintain our safety; through acts such as social distancing, only going out when one must, and maintaining high hygienic standards through washing hands. This order only works if our citizens participate and it is necessary for us all to do our part for this order accomplish what it is meant to.”
According to the state order, individuals currently residing within the state of Missouri are to avoid leaving their homes or places of residence unless necessary.
“First and foremost, I want everyone to know that I love this state and the people of this state,” Governor Parson said, announcing the order. “The people of this great state clearly define who we are in Missouri, and as Governor, I have no greater responsibility than to protect the health, well-being, and safety of all Missourians.”
The Order requires the following:
Individuals currently residing within the state of Missouri shall avoid leaving their homes or places of residence.
All individuals in the state of Missouri shall avoid social gatherings of more than 10 people.
All public and charter schools must remain closed for the duration of the Order.
Any entity that does not employ individuals to perform essential worker functions, as set forth in guidance provided by the federal government, shall adhere to the limitations on social gatherings and social distancing.
Any entity that employs individuals to perform essential worker functions, and that is engaged in retail sales to the public, shall limit the number of individuals in any particular retail location as follows:
Twenty-five percent or less of the entity’s authorized fire or building code occupancy, as set by local authorities, for a retail location with square footage of less than ten thousand square feet ;
Ten percent or less of the entity’s authorized fire or building code occupancy, as set by local authorities, for a retail location with square footage of ten thousand square feet or more.
The Order does not prohibit Missourians from accessing essential services, such as grocery stores, gas stations, and banks, or engaging in outdoor recreation, provided that necessary precautions are taken and maintained to reduce the transmission of COVID-19, including observing the social gathering and social distancing requirements set forth in the Order.
The Order shall be observed throughout the state and enforced by all local and state health authorities. Local public health authorities are directed to carry out and enforce the provisions of the Order by any legal means.
“There comes a time when we have to make major sacrifices in our lives. Many of us make sacrifices each and every day, but now more than ever, we must all make sacrifices,” Parson said. “This is not about any one individual person. This is about our families, friends, neighbors, and the entire state of Missouri. For the sake of all Missourians, be smart, be responsible, and stay home, Missourians.”
As of Friday, Missouri had 2,113 positive COVID-19 cases out of 24,727 tested in a total population of 6 million Missourians. This data shows that 8.5 percent of those tested have been positive.
Of the 8.5 percent of Missouri citizens who have tested positive, approximately 22 percent have required hospitalization. This means the remaining 78 percent are recovering at home or have already recovered.
Missouri has at least one positive case in 76 of Missouri’s 114 counties. Over half of the total positive cases are in St. Louis region.
Also as of Friday, Missouri has 19 COVID-19 related deaths.
For more information and resources regarding COVID-19, visit the CDC’s website at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus and the DHSS website at www.health.mo.gov/coronavirus.
