Building on Missouri’s efforts to control, contain, and combat COVID-19, Governor Mike Parson issued a statewide “Stay Home Missouri” Order effective beginning at 12:01 a.m. on Monday, April 6, 2020, until 11:59 p.m. on Friday, April 24, 2020. The order explicitly states that individuals currently residing within the state of Missouri shall 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. “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.”

In order to protect public health and prevent the further spread of COVID-19, Governor Parson’s order includes specific guidance for staying home, social distancing, businesses and employees, schools, restaurants, firearm sales, and state government buildings. Among other guidelines, 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 ten (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 (25) 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 (10,000 ft²);

Ten (10) 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 (10,000 ft²) 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,” Governor 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 Monday, April 6, Missouri had 2,722 positive COVID-19 cases out of approximately 31,654 tested in a total population of 6 million Missourians; 39 have died.

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.

Tarkio Mayor Tim Morehouse commented, “We all need to adhere to the Governor’s guidelines. Stay at home when all possible. If the store or business you are about to enter looks crowded, come back later. Check on your older neighbors and make sure they are able to get the supplies they need or help them to do so while keeping to the social distancing guidelines. Stay positive. We will get through this and come together at the other end of this.”

Rock Port Mayor Chris Chamberlain remarked, “The challenges we face in the next few weeks really comes down to the way we perceive it. You can view it as a burden limiting your personal freedoms or you could choose to see this as an opportunity to show pride in your community and love for your families.”

Fairfax Mayor Ryan Kingery quoted Mr. Rogers, “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’” Kingery said, “During these difficult times, let’s look for the helpers and reach out to see what we can do to help someone in need.”