Though Missouri Gov. Mike Parson plans to begin to reopen the state next week, it was clear as guidelines were first presented Monday that it will be a while before daily life returns to what it used to be.
Parson plans to begin gradually reopening the state May 4, following expiration of the statewide stay-at-home order May 3, as he and leaders of his administration said they have enough of a handle on the COVID-19 pandemic to begin the reopening.
The statewide public health order overseeing the first phase of the reopening takes effect at 12:01 a.m. May 4 and will last through 11:59 p.m. May 31.
Parson on Monday revealed guidance for individuals and businesses to follow during that time.
The guidelines ask every Missourian to continue good personal hygiene practices, to avoid large groups such as receptions and trade shows that do not readily allow for physical distancing, and to maximize separation from others when in public spaces such as parks and shopping malls.
All businesses are asked to have basic infection prevention measures in place, including having protective equipment, doing temperature checks, using testing and modifying workspaces to keep workers as far apart as possible - whether through space or physical barriers.
Businesses are also asked to minimize work-related travel, limit access to areas where workers may congregate, have flexible sick leave policies, have workers who return from remote work do so in shifts or split shifts, and continue to encourage telework.
Though all those public health and safety recommendations for employees and customers also apply to barber and cosmetology shops, hair salons and tattoo parlors, social distancing requirements of keeping people at least 6 feet apart do not apply to individuals whose job duties require close contact - so those types of businesses will be able to operate.
Gyms and hotel pools will also be able to be open "if they adhere to strict social distancing and sanitation protocols."
Retail establishments, including grocery stores, will be subject to occupancy limits based on local fire codes or on a provided formula if such codes are not in place.
Where possible, customers are to be asked to wait in their vehicles instead of in waiting rooms.
Restaurants will be able to offer dine-in services again, but with tables and seating spaced to adhere to social distancing requirements.
Restaurants may also regulate self-serve options such as salad bars and buffets, use disposable menus and have employees use personal protective equipment.
Drive-thru, pickup and delivery options are to continue to be encouraged.
Food courts will be able to open but will not be able to offer seating.
Churches may have in-person services but will have to adhere to social distancing requirements. Hand-shaking, shared communion cups and other such practices should be avoided. Places of worship are also encouraged to continue offering streaming options for people to watch at home.
The Knights of Columbus, Fraternal Order of Eagles and other such fraternal organizations may meet but must adhere to social distancing requirements.
Movie theaters, events at large venues such as stadiums, amusement parks, concerts, funerals, museums, school graduations and weddings may be attended, but seating must be spaced to meet social distancing requirements.
Where community swimming pools, fitness centers, libraries, and summer athletics and camps are offered, it's encouraged that programs limit the number of participants, modify or restructure activities, and increase sanitation measures.
It's advised that high-trafficked or high-touched areas such as playgrounds remain closed.
State office buildings will open to the public "as soon as practicable."
Local authorities may put in place more restrictive measures.
Parson's announcement inside the Missouri state Capitol on Monday was attended by a group of some vocal protesters who demanded the state reopen immediately, akin to what was heard last week at a protest attended by hundreds of people outside the Capitol.
The group Monday was critical of public health orders' top-down leadership model, with some going so far as to call such authority tyrannical and more like the government of communist China. Someone in the group at one point said, "We want our America back," not a new normal.
While not directly addressing the group, Parson acknowledged people will have different views about what should have been done or what should be done going forward.
However, he defended his decisions and said they were correct for the time and circumstances.
Parson tweeted Sunday the state's plans for its first phase of reopening were based on the guidelines of President Donald Trump's administration, as well as conversations with local county and city governments.
Parson's tweet included a video clip of Vice President Mike Pence saying, "We're encouraged to see so many states embracing the phased approach to reopening their economies that's contemplated in our guidelines for opening up America again."
In his remarks April 23, Pence specifically cited Missouri's Show Me Strong Recovery plan as an example.