Officials advise residents to enjoy the outdoors

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson issued a “stay-at-home” order late last week for residents of the state as an effort to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

A lot of confusion has surrounded the order, which took effect Monday, with many people believing they must stay inside their homes until the order is lifted.

That notion, however, is not accurate.

Brandi Alcorn walks her baby in a stroller at Poplar Bluff's McLane Park during the stay-at-home order. Recreational activities, like walking, jogging, hiking, hunting and fishing are permissible during the order as long as people follow CDC guidance on social distancing.DAR/Paul Davis

“The order does not prohibit Missourians from accessing essential services, such as grocery stores, gas stations, and banks, or engaging in outdoor recreation, provided that necessary precautions are taken and maintained to reduce the transmission of COVID-19, including observing the social gathering and social distancing requirements set forth in the order,” said a news release from Parson’s office.

That means you can go fishing, go to the park to run or just get out and enjoy the outdoors.

“My best advice is get out and go walking, do your gardening … do whatever you want,” said Poplar Bluff Police Chief Danny Whiteley.

Even during the current stay-at-home order, Poplar Bluff's parks are open for recreation, despite some beliefs they are closed. The park playgrounds are closed, but trails and other areas remain open.DAR/Paul Davis

“All our parks and trails are still open. Even the baseball fields are open,” said Poplar Bluff Parks and Recreation Department Director Lanny Corcimiglia.

Water fountains, playgrounds and restrooms in the parks will remain closed until further notice.

Park hours are 6 a.m. until 10 p.m. daily.

A pair of walkers make their way past the bridge on the outer loop of McLane Park's walking trail.DAR/Paul Davis

Corcimiglia also said the city’s Ozark Ridge Golf Course, which has been closed for two weeks, will reopen on Sunday.

“You are welcome to still go out and enjoy the great outdoors. Go to the parks and have nice walks with your family,” urged Butler County Sheriff Mark Dobbs.

“No one says you can’t leave your house at all,” Dobbs reiterated. “As a matter of fact, that’s not a healthy thing at all, either physically or mentally.”

Since the order started, Dobbs reports he’s been “seeing a lot of kids on bicycles and things you don’t normally see.

“It’s good to see the kiddos out enjoying the great outdoors.”

Sgt. Clark Parrott, public information officer for Troop E of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, said his agency “encourages people to go outside.

“A guy asked me the other day if he was allowed to go fishing, and I told him absolutely. You can still get out and go fishing.”

The only requirement when spending time away from home, Parrott said, is following the Department of Health and Senior Services’ guidelines on gatherings of people and social distancing.

“Look at the DHSS website and follow those guidelines,” Parrott said.

Whiteley agreed.

“For your sake, and that of your family and even strangers, I highly recommend social distancing,” he stressed.

Law enforcement agencies, Dobbs said, will not stop people just because they are outside.

“There’s no way we can stop you if we wanted to from coming outside,” he said.

“We aren’t pulling people over just because they’re outside,” added Whiteley. “Just because they are outside is not probable cause” for a stop.

On Wednesday, Gov. Parson further clarified his stay-at-home order in a Facebook post quoting University of Missouri Chief Clinical Officer Dr. Steven Whitt, which read “Stay at home does not mean stay inside. Get outdoors, go for walks and get exercise.

“Go fishing, gardening, hardworking, etc. The outside is good for us.”