Jackson County amends dining restrictions

​     Jackson County issued a new health order on January 13th, amending dining restrictions for bars and restaurants.
     Under the new health order, Jackson County bars and restaurants will be allowed to serve food and alcohol until midnight with a hard exit for all patrons at 12:30am. All other provisions related to indoor dining remain in effect. 
     The new order takes effect at 12:01 am Thursday, January 14, 2021 and does not apply to businesses in the cities of Kansas City, Missouri or Independence.
     The new health order relaxes guidance from a previous order issued in November 2020 that required bars and restaurants to close at 10:00 p.m. due to a resurgence of COVID-19 cases in Jackson County.
“Let me be clear – our situation has not improved over the past two months. COVID-19 cases are up, our 14-day percent positive remains high as well as hospital capacity,” Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. said.
     “However, to remain consistent with neighboring jurisdictions, lessen confusion among residents and create fairness for Eastern Jackson County businesses, we have decided to move forward in this manner. It is still dangerous to gather in large groups, so I urge residents to remain vigilant in their efforts to prevent the spread of the virus.”
Residents and businesses with questions about the new health order should contact the Jackson County Health Department by phone at (816) 404-9883 or via email at  COVID19@tmcmed.org.