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Open For Business

Justin Addison Editor/Publisher
Posted 5/5/20

The state this week relaxed many of its COVID-19 restrictions as part of phase one of its “Show Me Strong” reopening plan, much to the relief of businesses, particularly bars and …

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Open For Business

Posted

The state this week relaxed many of its COVID-19 restrictions as part of phase one of its “Show Me Strong” reopening plan, much to the relief of businesses, particularly bars and restaurants. But as Missouri Gov. Parson said when rolling out the new rules, it’s not like flipping a switch. While measures are easing, there are still regulations in place to mitigate the virus’s transmission.

Miknan’s Main Street Pub owner Leremie Shafer said that starting this week it would be business as usual, at least for the most part. Like every restaurant, Miknan’s was forced to make drastic changes to its business model in order to survive during government-mandated regulations put in place to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus. While regulations have now been relaxed, the state still requires restaurants to keep in place social distancing measures. Dining rooms will be allowed to fill only to half capacity. Groups will be limited to 10 people, and tables must be kept six feet apart.

Most restaurants began offering curbside service and delivery since they were not allowed to host diners inside. Miknan’s will continue its curbside service, but will likely end it’s delivery service, Shafer said. “If you still don’t feel comfortable eating inside the restaurant, give us a call and we’ll bring it out of your car,” he said.

Two doors down, Emmet’s Kitchen & Tap resumed normal business hours Monday with hungry customers braving the rainy weather to once again enjoy a meal inside the famed restaurant. It had reduced its hours to just four days a week during the period of the state’s stay-at-home order. 

Manager Brandy Asbury said that Emmet’s will adhere to the state’s guidelines and  keep at least six feet of distance between tables. She hopes to add extra tables outside to serve more patrons. The restaurant will continue to serve a limited menu until its food stock is restored.

The Nest will open with regular hours starting Thursday. Max Hilderbrand, one of four brothers who own the bar and restaurant, said the business was able to stay open with takeout orders of pizza and burgers thanks to huge support from the community. He said he is ready to once again serve customers at the bar, providing for social distancing and other guidelines.

Other types of businesses given the OK to reopen include beauty salons, gyms, and manufacturers. “The social distancing requirements do not apply to individuals performing job duties that require contact with other people closer than six feet,” said the Governor on Saturday. Churches were also given guidelines to resume services (see story on back page).

Private businesses are not the only establishments opening back up. The Howard County courthouse is once again open to the public, as is the Fayette City Hall. The utility office will use plexiglass dividers to protect employees during in-person business transactions.

Although the courthouse is open, Missouri courts will continue to hear only essential and time sensitive cases through May 15. And Circuit 14 courts, which include Howard and Randolph counties, will extend two weeks beyond that as mandated by Presiding Judge Scott Hayes.

Howard County has had only two confirmed cases of the coronavirus, both in the far northeastern portion nearer to Higbee in Randolph County. Both cases were reportedly contracted during travel, and are recovered.

COVID-19, Phase One, Reopen

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