County relaxes restrictions on capacity for businesses, gatherings

     Jackson County has announced plans to modify protocols to the current health order, particularly when it comes to those relating to capacity restrictions.
     County Executive Frank White , Jr. stressed that while some of these restrictions are being eased, the mask mandate and social distancing protocols remain in effect.                  
     The new order takes effect at 12:01 a.m. Friday, April 9, 2021, the same day Phase 3 of the state’s vaccination plan is activated, which opens vaccine eligibility to all Missouri adults.
     “Over the past year, we have made tremendous strides to combat this pandemic and we don’t want to lose the progress that we’ve made,” White said. 
     “In order to do that, we must continue to wear face coverings and maintain our distance from others when in public spaces out of respect for those in our community who are waiting to be vaccinated. If we remain diligent in our prevention efforts, we will be one step closer to getting back some normalcy in our daily lives.”
      “Our health department is focused on increasing education of the vaccines that are available, providing access to them, signing up as many residents as possible and getting vaccines in arms,” Jackson County Health Department Director Bridgette Schaffer, MPH, said.
     “We look forward to receiving increased vaccine supply in the coming weeks to continue our commitment to public health and safety.”
      The protocols that will be revised beginning April 9 include:
     All essential and non-essential businesses, including gyms, fitness and recreation centers, can open at full capacity. Mask wearing and social distancing are required.
     Restaurants, bars and taverns can operate at full capacity to serve food and alcohol. Mask wearing and social distancing are required.
     There are no capacity limits on gatherings. Mask wearing and social distancing are required.
     To sign up to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, visit the Jackson County Health Department website at https://jacohd.org/covid-vaccines.
     Jackson County residents and businesses can find additional resources and information online at www.jacohd.org/coronavirus, by phone at (816) 404-6415, or via email at COVID19@tmcmed.org.