Jackson County, Missouri has announced Phase 1 of its Recovery Plan to begin opening businesses in Eastern Jackson County on May 11. The City of Blue Springs falls under the jurisdiction of Jackson County during the Stay-At-Home Order for the COVID-19 crisis. The Recovery Plan was developed by Jackson County, and the Jackson County Health Department and feedback was sought from the public via an online survey. Additionally, the county sought input from the mayors of Jackson County, including Mayor Carson Ross.
“I appreciate the effort the county has put forth in seeking out input from the public and the local jurisdictions to develop this Recovery Plan,” said Mayor Carson Ross. “Over the last week, myself and the mayors of Eastern Jackson County worked diligently with the county to ensure the concerns of our residents and business-owners were considered in the development of the Recovery Plan. The plan announced this afternoon incorporated many, though not all, of our suggestions.”
“While I know our community is anxious and ready to get back to normal, we have to realize that we are now in a new normal and it will take time and necessary precautions to slowly, but confidently, re-open our businesses,” Mayor Ross added. “Our main priority is the health and safety of our residents and the economic vitality of our City. I encourage residents and businesses alike to follow these guidelines and to continue to take personal health precautions so that we are able to continue to slow the spread of this dangerous virus and begin the next phases of the Recovery Plan more quickly.”
City facilities including City Hall, Vesper Hall and the Fieldhouse will remain closed to the public for the time being. Additionally, all playground equipment and outdoor sports courts will remain closed during Phase 1 per the Eastern Jackson County Recovery Plan.
Restaurants and bars selling food, retail stores and personal services such as hair and nail salons are allowed to open during Phase 1 as long as customers and staff in the building are limited. Locations smaller than 10,000 square feet, are limited to 25 percent occupancy. Locations larger than 10,000 square feet are limited to 10 percent occupancy. Additionally, these businesses must maintain social distancing and preventative practices and have a social distancing protocol in place before re-opening.
- Restaurants and Bars Selling Food: Dine-In allowed, curbside pick-up still encouraged. Must limit the number of staff and customers in the building.
- Retail stores: Open for business. Must limit the number of staff and customers in the building.
- Personal Services (Nail, hair, and massage salons): Open for business by appointment only. Must limit the number of staff and customers in the building
- Large Gatherings (churches, weddings, funerals): Limited to 10 people.
- Gyms and Fitness Centers: Remain closed during Phase 1
- Outdoor Playgrounds and Sports Courts: Remain closed during Phase 1.
- Entertainment venues: Remain closed during phase 1.
The entire Phase 1 of the Eastern Jackson County Recovery Plan can be found on our website at www.bluespringsgov.com/COVID19. Additionally, residents may go to Jacksongov.org for more information.
Please visit our City’s website at www.bluespringsgov.com/COVID19 for all COVID-19-related updates and information. For more information about the Jackson County Order, please visit www.jacksongov.org.
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