EDITOR’S NOTE: While a document issued by the Stoddard County Commission does include the phrase “stay at home to limit social contact,” it is not considered a true stay-at-home order. The order is based on limiting social contact and slowing the spread of COVID-19 and is not a lockdown, according to Associate Commissioner Carol Jarrell.
BLOOMFIELD — The Stoddard County Commission has drafted an order that limits social contact in the county effective at 12:01 a.m. Thursday in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The order, which reinforces recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and outlines punishment for a violation of quarantine orders, will continue indefinitely.
As of 10 a.m. Monday, three cases of the virus had been reported by the Stoddard County Health Department, administrator Ben Godwin told the commissioners during a conference call Monday morning.
County officials are scheduled to sign the order following an open comment period that runs until 4 p.m. Wednesday.
Before releasing the order to the public, the commission voted 3-0 to appoint Dr. Bobby J. Jibben as the Stoddard County Health Officer. Under this order, a licensed qualified physician is required to handle quarantine situations or other medical situations.
Godwin will handle the day-to-day issues involving COVID-19.
“There continues to exist a state of emergency, which requires a response by the County Commission to protect human life from the continued spread of COVID-19, including a directive that all persons within the territorial jurisdiction of Stoddard County stay at home to limit social contact, that any business not declared an Essential Business cease public operations, that all businesses comply with all guidelines set forth by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the mitigation of the spread of COVID-19,” according to the order.
People may not leave their residences unless performing essential activities or business.
Residents will be allowed to perform essential duties such as obtaining medical supplies or medication, visiting a health-care professional, washing clothes at a laundromat, or obtaining personal hygiene and cleaning supplies.
People may purchase groceries, takeout from a restaurant, household goods and products for themselves or to deliver to family members or close friends.
Residents may participate in an outdoor activity, or care for a family member or close personal acquaintance, as long as social distancing guidelines are followed.
All nonessential businesses are ordered to close.
Essential businesses are those designated by the Department of Homeland Security. The list may be viewed at www.cisa.gov.
Essential businesses include those in the fields of health care, law enforcement, public safety, food and agriculture, electricity, gas and fuel, transportation and logistics, public works and infrastructure, communications and financial services.
Essential businesses must follow all guidelines set forth by the CDC for the prevention of the spread of COVID-19.
Any business who violates any provision of this order will be subject to a civil action by the Circuit Court of Stoddard County, seeking the suspension or revocation of its business license issued by the county.
The order includes punishment for residents leaving a quarantined home, or evading or breaking quarantine. If convicted, they would be “deemed guilty of a Class A misdemeanor pursuant to section 192.320.R.S.Mo.”
Orders from the health department “will have the force of the law to the greatest extent permitted by federal, state or county law while this order is in effect,” according to the order.
The order not only applies to residents but all businesses or people entering or remaining in the county.
People are asked to follow social distancing requirements, including maintaining at least 6-foot social distancing from other individuals, washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds as frequently as possible or using hand sanitizer with more than 60% alcohol, covering coughs or sneezes with something other than hands, regularly cleaning high-touch surfaces and not shaking hands.
Gatherings of greater than 10 people should be avoided.
People who wish to comment may call Presiding Commissioner Danny Talkington at 573-421-3238.
BLOOMFIELD — The Stoddard County Commission has drafted a stay-at-home order for the county effective at 12:01 a.m. Thursday in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
As of 10 a.m. Monday, three cases of the virus had been reported by the Stoddard County Health Department, administrator Ben Godwin told the commissioners during a conference call.
County officials are scheduled to sign the order Wednesday afternoon following an open comment period that runs until 4 p.m. Wednesday.
The Statesman will publish a copy of the order later today. People who wish to comment may call Presiding Commissioner Danny Talkington at 573-421-3238.
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