I was glad to see the Governor finally responded to the calls of healthcare professionals and Missouri’s citizens who had been imploring him to issue a Stay-At-Home Order. As State Representative of the 77th District, and Chairman of the Missouri Legislative Black Caucus, I personally called on the Governor to act immediately this past week. A copy of that letter is attached below. While this is a much needed step, there are additional critical issues to resolve.
Minority communities have been hit the hardest by this pandemic, both in number of cases and with lack of resources in terms of testing. Yet, we are experiencing some of the most serious cases and highest fatalities. These citizens are also feeling the worst effects of layoffs. The so-called stimulus funds are taking too long to get to those who need the money most desperately. With the length of time these economic conditions could persist, the amount of Federal assistance is inadequate to meet the need. The State and Federal Government must coordinate more closely with St. Louis, to get us the resources we need to weather this storm.
I urge everyone to obey these rules as we all work together to flatten the curve of cases in Missouri. This is the most critical challenge many have faced in their lifetime. We can take solace in knowing we are not in this alone and that so many are putting themselves in harm’s way to help others. We cannot thank our nurses, doctors, EMTs, police, firefighters, grocery store clerks, delivery people, sanitation workers, and many others enough.
I will continue to work to keep you informed and urge you once again to be safe.
Yours in service,
Steve Roberts
State Representative
Candidate for State Senate
Summary of Order
1. Individuals currently residing within the state of Missouri shall avoid leaving their homes or places of residence.
2. All individuals in the state of Missouri shall avoid social gatherings of more than ten (10) people.
3. All public and charter schools must remain closed for the duration of the Order.
4. Any entity that does not employ individuals to perform essential worker functions, as set forth in guidance provided by the federal government, shall adhere to the limitations on social gatherings and social distancing.
5. Any entity that employs individuals to perform essential worker functions, and that is engaged in retail sales to the public, shall limit the number of individuals in any particular retail location as follows:
(a) Twenty-five (25) percent or less of the entity’s authorized fire or building code occupancy, as set by local authorities, for a retail location with square footage of less than ten thousand square feet (10,000 ft²);
(b) Ten (10) percent or less of the entity’s authorized fire or building code occupancy, as set by local authorities, for a retail location with square footage of ten thousand square feet (10,000 ft²) or more.
6. 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.
7. The Order shall be observed throughout the state and enforced by all local and state health authorities. Local public health authorities are directed to carry out and enforce the provisions of the Order by any legal means.
