Health Commissioner's Order No. 5

Stay Home - Essential Activities Only Order

This Order shall become effective at 6:00pm on March 23, 2020 and will continue to be in effect until 6:00p.m. on April 22, 2020, or until it is extended, rescinded, superseded, or amended in writing by me.

My intent is to ensure that the maximum number of people stay at home to slow the spread of COVID-19. All provisions of this Order shall be interpreted to effectuate this intent.

In all cases, including the exceptions described herein, individuals must adhere to social distancing recommendations, that include maintaining at least six-feet social distancing from other individuals.

In all cases, individuals should adhere to preventive recommendations that include washing hands with soap and water for at least twenty seconds as frequently as possible or using hand sanitizer, covering coughs or sneezes (into the sleeve or elbow, not hands), regularly cleaning high-touch surfaces, not shaking hands, and staying home if you feel ill.

By the authority vested in me by Article XIII, Section 14-C (c) of the Charter of the City of St. Louis and by 19 CSR 20-20.050 (c) of the Code of State Regulations, I hereby order as follows:

1. Individuals 
   All individuals living within the City of St. Louis are ordered to remain at home except as needed for the following activities:
   1. To perform tasks essential to the health and safety of individuals, their family, household members and pets, such as obtaining medical supplies or medication, visiting a health care professional, or obtaining supplies necessary to work from home.
   2. To obtain or deliver necessary foods, services or supplies for themselves, household members or others necessary to maintain safety and sanitation.
   3. Outdoor walking or exercise provided they maintain social distancing of at least six feet from any other person.
   4. Going to work wherein allowed.
2. Businesses and Governmental Operations
   All businesses are allowed to maintain the value of inventory and infrastructure, provide security, process payroll or employee benefits, or facilitate employees working remotely, but are required to cease all other activities.
   
   The following businesses, not-for-profits, institutions, are exempt from the above requirements:
   1. Healthcare facilities and businesses that produce or provide medical care, supplies or medicine. This provision does not include fitness centers or gyms, massage parlors, salons, barbershops, nail salons or similar establishments;
   2. Grocery stores, convenience stores, or other establishments engaged in the retail sale of food or other household consumer products;
   3. Restaurants and bars, but only for pickup/curbside/carry-out/take-out/delivery;
   4. Businesses, not-for-profits, or institutions that ship or deliver groceries, food, or goods;
   5. Businesses, not-for-profits, or institutions that provide food, shelter, utilities, social services, or other necessities;
   6. Food cultivation, including farming, livestock, and fishing;
   7. Food and beverage wholesaling, storage, warehousing, and distribution businesses;
   8. Newspapers, television, radio and other media;
   9. Gas stations, vehicle-supply, vehicle-repair, and related facilities;
   10. Banks and financial institutions;
   11. Hardware stores;
   12. Businesses, not-for-profits, or institutions providing mailing and shipping services, including post office boxes;
   13. Laundromats and laundry service providers;
   14. Transportation services including rental, taxis and rideshares;
   15. Home-based care for seniors, adults, or children;
   16.  Facilities and shelters for adults and children;
   17. Long-term care facilities, including hospice;
   18. Hotels and other commercial lodging;
   19. Professional services (e.g. accountants, lawyers, engineers);
   20. Construction;
   21. Childcare facilities providing services to first responders, and all emergency personnel;
   22. Manufacture, distribution, and supply chain for exempt businesses;
   23. Federal, state, and local government; and
   24. Such other exceptions as I may specifically designate.

 

So ordered:

 

Date: 3/21/2020

 

Fredrick Echols, M.D.

Director of Health & Hospitals/Health Commissioner

 

Stay at Home Order No. 5 Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)