Walmart, the world's largest retailer, is the latest national chain to require all customers to wear masks. The change begins on Monday, July 20, 2020.
Starbucks said last week that it will require customers to wear facial coverings or masks in all 9,000 of its company-owned US stores beginning today.
Best Buy announced Tuesday that it will also require all shoppers coming into its approximately 1,000 stores to wear face masks.
Although no federal mandate to wear a mask exists, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says everyone "should wear a cloth face cover when they have to go out in public." The CDC said "face coverings are meant to protect other people."
Route H in Stoddard and Dunklin Counties Reduced for Pavement Repairs
Route H in Stoddard and Dunklin Counties will be reduced to one lane with a 10-foot width restriction as contractor crews perform pavement repairs.
This section of roadway is located between Route 25 in Stoddard County and Route J in Dunklin County.
Weather permitting, work will take place Friday, July 10 through Friday, Aug. 14 from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
The work zone will be marked with signs. Motorists are urged to use extreme caution while traveling near the area.
Dexter, MO - The American Red Cross will host a Blood Drive in Dexter! It's time to step up to the plate and be part of a lifesaving team! The St. Louis Cardinals need you!!
The Blood Drive will be held on Thursday, July 16, 2020 from 2 p.m. - 6 p.m. at the Dexter Parks and Recreation Gym. The gym is located at 500 Fairground Drive.
All presenting donors will receive a FREE commemorative St. Louis Cardinals Blood Drive T-shirt.
Blood supplies are extremely low so please come out and support your community by donating on Thursday, July 16th!
Cape Girardeau, MO - It was announced on Friday that the Cape Girardeau County Public Health Center has issued a FACE COVERING ORDER for Cape Girardeau County to take effect at 12:01 a.m. on Monday, July 13, 2020 to slow the spread of COVID-19.
The order applies to anyone 9 years of age and older and includes businesses and public spaces.
According to this order, face coverings must be worn at any business or public space, outdoors in a public space when anyone other than members of their household or living unit will be within 6 feet and at any gathering of individuals who are not members of their household (outside personal residences) in any area involving contact within 6 feet or when social distancing is not feasible.
The order states anyone knowingly violating the order "shall be deemed guilty of a Class A misdemeanor," which carries a penalty of up to one year in the county jail and/or a fine not to exceed $1,000. Also regarding enforcement, the order states the county health authority can enforce a number of actions including "isolation, quarantine, disinfection and closure of establishments in the interest of public health."
The order stated that its purpose is to "ensure people protect themselves and others, particularly those who are vulnerable to poorer outcomes related to COVID-19 infection. As face to face interactions increase and as scientific evidence indicates that COVID-19 is spread by asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic individuals, it is critical that all individuals wear face covering in public spaces."
There is no set expiration of this order at this time.
There is an exemption for wearing a face covering during a sporting activity. Does that include coaches, umpires, or other volunteers on the field/court/etc.?
Players engaged in the sporting activity are exempt from the Face covering requirement while they are
physically active in the sport. This exemption does not apply to players on the sidelines/bench/dugout,
coaches, or referees/umpires who are not engaged in a physical activity unless they are able to maintain
at least 6 ft from others.
What are some examples of when to wear a face covering? Please note these are just a few examples and not a comprehensive list.
● When shopping at the grocery store or other retail establishment.
● When sitting in the stands close to others while watching a sporting event.
● When walking around your office/place of work when others are present.
● When riding in a vehicle with someone who is not a member(s) of your household (i.e. when utilizing public transportation, when driving in a work vehicle with other employees, etc.)
● When standing in line at the store or other event.
● Anytime you are in close contact with someone who you do not live with.
When should I not wear a face covering? There are several exemptions listed in this order. Those include:
a. Children under the age of 3;
b. Children between the ages of 3-9 are strongly encouraged, but not required, to wear a Face Covering, while under the direct supervision of an adult;
c. Persons with health conditions that prohibit wearing a Face Covering. Nothing in this Order shall require the use of a Face Covering by any person for whom doing so would be contrary to their health or safety because of a medical condition;
d. Persons who have trouble breathing, or are unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the Face Covering without assistance;
e. Persons who are hearing impaired, or someone who is communicating with a person who is hearing impaired, where the ability to see the mouth is essential for communication;
f. Persons who are at a place of Business or Public Space who are consuming food or drink while adequately distanced from other patrons and staff;
g. Persons who are at a public pool while in the water;
h. Persons who are obtaining a service involving the nose or Face for which temporary removal of the
Face Covering is necessary to perform the service; and
i. Persons playing a sport;
j. Persons exercising or using exercise equipment where participants are at least 6 feet apart.
Do I need a doctor's note to prove I have a medical condition that prevents me from wearing a face covering?
No. You do not need a doctor's note or documentation proving you have a medical condition preventing you from wearing a face covering. However, you may be required to provide certification to your employer if that is their policy.
Do I need to wear a face covering in the gym?
If you are engaged in physical activity in the gym and are distanced from others, you do not need to wear one. If you are not engaged in a physical activity, then one must be worn in a gym.
Do I need to wear a face covering at a restaurant or bar?
Face coverings should be worn in restaurants and bars as you wait to be seated and while you walk to your table in the dining area. Once seated, you can remove your Face covering if you are safely distanced from others. The Face covering should be put on anytime you leave the table.
Do I need to wear a face covering at the pool?
Face coverings should not be worn while swimming. Face coverings should be worn when in and around the pool area when physically distancing from others is not possible to maintain. This may be when entering and exiting the pool facility or when visiting the locker room or restroom areas.
Dexter, Missouri - Are you ready for the August 4th Primary Election in Stoddard County? Want to be an informed voter?
Attend the Meet the Candidates Forum on Tuesday, July 21, 2020 at The Gathering on the North Outer Road in Dexter.
Doors open at 6 p.m. and the forum will begin at 7:00 p.m.
The Candidate Forum is sponsored by Stoddard County Farm Bureau.
