ST. LOUIS — Several areas in the 5 On Your Side viewing area are under stay-at-home orders. Including the entire state of Illinois.
Missouri is not under a stay-at-home order, but the City of St. Louis, St. Louis County, and Jefferson County are. St. Charles County residents are being asked to stay in their homes in an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19 in the area.
But what does that mean? What can you do and what can’t you do?
The order still allows people to seek essentials like groceries and medicine.
Essential businesses and operations include:
All businesses are allowed to maintain the value of inventory and infrastructure, provide security, process payroll or employee benefits, or facilitate employees working remotely, but are required to cease all other activities.
Healthcare facilities and businesses that produce or provide medical care, supplies or medicine – this does not include fitness centers or gyms, massage parlors, tattoo shops, salons, nail salons or similar establishments.
Grocery stores, convenience stores or other places that sell food or household consumer products, restaurants and bars – but only for pickup/curbside/delivery
Nonprofits that ship or deliver groceries, food or goods, provide shelter, utilities, social services or other necessities
Food cultivations including farming, livestock and fishing
Food and beverage wholesaling, storage, warehousing and distribution business
Newspapers, television, radio and other media
Gas stations, vehicle supply, vehicle repair and related facilities
Banks and financial institutions
Hardware stores
Places that provide mailing and shipping services, including post office boxes
Laundromats and laundry service providers
Transportation services including rental, taxis and rideshares
Home-based care for seniors, adults or children
Facilities and shelters for adults and children
Long-term care facilities including hospice
Hotels and other commercial lodging
Professional services including accountants, lawyers and engineers
Construction
Childcare facilities providing services to first responders and all emergency personnel
Manufacture, distribution and supply chain for exempt businesses
Federal, state and local government
POPULAR QUESTIONS FROM ST. LOUIS CITY AND COUNTY
Q: What is the purpose or the intent of this order?
A: The intent is to further restrict social mixing & ensure the maximum number of people stay at home in order to slow the spread of COVID-19
Q: What about church and other places of worship?
A: They are considered essential and are allowed to hold services, but they must adhere to a previous City order restricting public gatherings and events to no more than 10 people.
Q: What if I don't comply with this order?
A: "We believe most people want to people will comply because they want to help us #FlattenTheCurve," the City of St. Louis said.
However, we will enforce the order if violations are brought to our attention. It is a class A misdemeanor to violate this order.
Q: Am I allowed to go visit a loved one or hang out with a friend?
A: Nonessential social mixing is prohibited. Per the order, individuals living within the City must remain inside their home except for essential activities related to employment, health/safety & outdoor exercise
Q: Can personal trainers train at a client's home? What about outdoors?
A: Personal training, even outdoors with a single client, is not allowed
Q: Is public transportation still running?
A: Yes! Though there may be reduced hours or service, the order considers roads/highways, airports, light rail, buses, ride shares, taxis & Amtrak essential. Check the individual schedules in advance, though!
Q: How do I prove that I'm allowed to be outside? Do I need to show proof that I work for an essential business?
A: The order assumes that citizens will that take their civic duties seriously and follow the order for the greater good of the community. There is no requirement of proof that you are allowed to be outside your residence.
Q: I have a wedding planned soon, can I still go?
A: Small weddings with fewer than 10 individuals present are allowed.
Q: Can I still get deliveries from online stores? Can I order from online stores?
A: Yes. The mail and other services that deliver to your home can continue to function, as can food delivery services. You can place orders from online stores. Businesses that deliver goods or services directly to residences are essential businesses that may continue to operate.
Q: Can a pool stay open?
A: No. Public and private pools should be closed for the duration of the order.
Q: Is recreational biking OK?
A: Yes, recreational biking is allowed as long as social distancing requires are met.
Q: Can I go buy my pet food or take my pet to the vet?
A: Yes - your pet's needs are considered essential too.
Q: I don't have a washer/dryer in my home. Can I leave to do laundry?
A: Yes. You can go to a laundromat and other laundry service providers. Be sure you protect yourself and others by following social distancing guidelines.
Q: Does the order prevent people over age 60 from working?
A: No, employees over the age of 60 are not prohibited from working under the order if they are performing essential activities. The order does strongly urge (but does not require) persons in high-risk categories to stay in their residence to the extent possible.
Q: What do I do if my employer requires me to go to work?
A: If your employer is an essential business or provides an essential activity as defined by the order, you are allowed to go to work. If you believe that your job is non-essential, contact the County Counselor. Be sure you protect yourself and others by following social distancing guidelines such as washing hands, using hand sanitizer, and maintaining at least 6 feet of distance between workers. It is highly recommended that high-risk populations (like persons over 60 years old or persons with underlying health conditions) should stay at home. If a person has a fever, a cough, and shortness of breath, they should consult with a medical professional.
Q: Can I leave home to care for my elderly parents who require assistance to care for themselves? Or a family member who has disabilities?
A: Yes. Be sure that you protect them and yourself by following social distancing guidelines such as washing hands before and after, using hand sanitizer, maintaining at least 6 feet of distance when possible, and coughing or sneezing into a tissue.
Q: Do I have to report to jury duty?
A: Essential government functions are determined by the government entity that has jurisdiction. Please contact the appropriate government agency to determine whether you should appear. If required to appear, practice strong hygiene and social distancing.
For questions on the order in St. Louis, contact the City of St. Louis Department of Health at 314-612-5100.
St. Louis County said it has considered a variety of enforcement measures and will implement them as needed for people or businesses that don't comply.
St. Louis County’s hotline is 314-615-2660, for general information visit stlcorona.com | Page also said if a business isn’t following the order, to contact: Countycounselorcovid19@stlouisco.com
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