May 28, 2020

Phase two begins June 1 with amended guideline for retail businesses

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. – in consultation with Jackson County Health Department Director Bridgette Shaffer, MPH – today is announcing detailed guidance and a slightly amended guideline for phase two of the Jackson County Recovery Plan.

The slightly amended guideline aligns with today’s announcement by Governor Mike Parson, who extended phase one of the state’s recovery plan that limits occupancy for retail businesses to 25% or 10% based on square footage until June 15. Under the Governor’s executive order, local municipalities cannot implement rules that are less stringent than the state. As a result, the County is requiring retail businesses to follow the 25/10 capacity guidelines when phase two begins.

Phase two of the County’s plan will take effect on Monday, June 1. A start date has not yet been determined for phase three, however, each phase is estimated to last at least 14-28 days. Detailed guidance for phase three is also now available at www.jacksongov.org and www.jacohd.org.

Highlights of phase two include:

• Gatherings of up to 50 people are allowed
• Retail businesses must limit capacity to 25% or 10% based on square footage until June 15 per state order. Capacity limits increase to 50% after June 15
• Capacity limits for non-essential businesses, places of worship, weddings and funerals increase to 50% of the lowest occupancy load
• Community centers, theaters, interior leisure venues, swimming pools and higher education campuses can reopen with limits
• Graduations, organized/youth sports, overnight summer camps can resume with limits
• Fairs, parades, festivals, playground equipment and K-12 schools remain closed

All open facilities are required to complete, post and follow social distancing procedures.

In addition, the County strongly recommends that all residents stay six feet from others, encourages seniors and vulnerable populations to stay at home, working remotely if possible, and wearing a mask or face covering when in public.

The Jackson County Health Department has prepared the phased-approach recovery plan that is focused on protecting the health and safety of residents, while beginning a safe and sensible path to economic recovery for all of Jackson County. Residents and businesses with questions should contact the health department at (816) 404-9883 or email COVID19@tmcmed.org.