Joplin to stay in step 2 of phase 2 of COVID-19 reopening plan
While Missouri has lifted statewide restrictions regarding the “Show Me Strong Recovery Plan”, Joplin has elected to remain in Step 2 of Phase 2 in the city’s reopening plan amid the pandemic.
Read the full press release below:
After hearing an update from Joplin Public Health Department, Joplin City Council voted unanimously to remain in Step 2 of Phase 2 in the City’s Recovery and Response Plan. Assistant Director of Health Department Ryan Talken provided recent numbers of coronavirus cases in Joplin stating that they’ve doubled in just two weeks. He also discussed the steady increase that Jasper County Health Department is experiencing, as well as neighboring Newton and McDonald Counties.
“We are seeing a spike right now,” he said. “It’s important that we stay the course to help lessen the spread of the virus. With these numbers rising, we need to get back to the basics of washing our hands, disinfecting common items shared by others at home or in the office, and of course to keep social distancing. Staying in this step sends the right message. By taking care of yourself, you are taking care of everybody else.”
Council approved moving to Step 2 of the second phase of the Recovery Plan at their June 1 meeting, noting that they will review this status on June 15, the date that Missouri Governor Parson’s Recovery Plan’s Phase 1 would expire. Late last week the governor announced that Missouri would fully open and enter Phase 2 of its “Show Me Strong Recovery” Plan.
In the state’s news release, it states: “During Phase 2 there will be no statewide health order. As statewide restrictions will be lifted, though local officials will still have the authority to put further rules, regulations, or ordinances in place.”
Joplin’s Response and Recovery Plan can be found on the City’s website at www.joplinmo.org/coronavirus.
Step 2 allows reopening of communities by relaxing the occupancy limitations and begins to resume mass gatherings on a limited basis. The occupancy restrictions are still in place limiting 25% of the entity’s authorized fire or building code occupancy for locations less than 10,000 square feet, and 10% of the occupancy for locations 10,000 square foot or greater. Specific guidance for specific business types can be found in the Exhibits located at the back of the plan. Social distancing is still required for all interactions within the community. The full plan provides the comprehensive process to resume a normal life while preventing taking steps backward. Other COVID-19 information is also on the City’s website.