Relaxing rules for gatherings, retail occupancy, etc.
During an executive session held Friday, the Platte County Health Department’s Board of Trustees voted to amend the County’s COVID-19 Response, Reopening, and Recovery Plan.
Health department officials, in a news release, said “the amendment was necessary so that Platte County’s Plan is consistent with, but not less stringent than, Governor Parson’s extended Order of May 28, 2020.”
The board of trustees voted to move to Phase 2, Step 2 of The Plan effective June 1, 2020.
Highlights of the relaxed restrictions in Step 2 are:
- The allowable size of outdoor mass gatherings increases to 250 people.
- Occupancy limits for retail businesses match the Missouri Governor’s Order of May 28, 2020, which states, “Any entity that employs individuals 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 (10,000) square feet; and
- 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 (10,000) square feet or more.”
Additional highlights effective June 1 in Platte County’s Plan include the following:
- Childcare Centers may increase the stable group size of children in the center from 10 to 20 children.
- Team sports may begin competitions with outdoor gatherings limited to 250 people per field so long as physical distancing requirements are complied with.
- Physical Distancing Requirements remain in place for all Platte County businesses.
- In buildings of less than 10,000 square feet, non-retail businesses may increase the number of occupants allowed in a building to 50% of the fire or building code occupancy limit.
- In buildings of more than 10,000 square feet, non-retail businesses may increase the number of occupants allowed in a building to 25% of the fire or building code occupancy limit.
- Recommendations continue for Seniors and vulnerable populations to stay at home and avoid large gatherings altogether.
Physical Distancing Requirements
The physical distancing requirements mentioned include:
a. Maintaining at least six feet of physical distancing from others;
b. Washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds as frequently as possible and supplementing with hand sanitizer;
c. Covering coughs or sneezes (into the sleeve or elbow, not hands);
d. Not shaking hands;
e. Appropriate use of face coverings consistent with guidance from the CDC; and
f. Regular cleaning and sanitizing of high-touch surfaces.
The plan document in its entirety may be viewed on the Health Department’s website at plattecountyhealthdept.com. Click on the Alert banner at the top of the page and scroll down to The Plan.