KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Beginning Monday, gatherings of up to 50 people will be permitted in Jackson County, which announced new details Thursday for Phase 2 of its Recovery Plan.
Jackson County Executive Frank White Jr. made the announcement after consultation with Jackson County Health Department Director Bridgette Shaffer.
The new phase does not apply to Kansas City, Missouri, which has a separate health department and separate reopening guidelines/restrictions.
Under Phase 2 guidelines, retail businesses are now permitted to have up to 25% of the fire or building-code occupancy in the building, an increase from 10%.
County officials coordinated Phase 2 restrictions to align with the state’s extension of Phase 1 of the Show Me Strong Recovery.
Missouri Gov. Mike Parson announced earlier Thursday that he was extending Phase 1 of his statewide plan through June 15. It had been scheduled to end Sunday.
Those capacity limits increase to 50% after June 15 under the amended order, but Phase 3 won’t necessarily begin at that time.
No decision has been made on when to implement Phase 3, but Phase 2 will last at least 14 days and possibly longer.
Houses of worship, weddings and funerals are permitted under Phase 2, but only at 50% occupancy.
Also under Phase 2, community centers, theaters, indoor entertainment venues, pools and colleges can reopen with limits.
Graduation ceremonies also are now permitted along with organized and youth sports as well as overnight summer camps with limits.
Fairs, parades and festivals remain barred and playground equipment also must remain closed along with K-12 schools.
Facilities open to the public must devise, post and follow social-distancing protocols.
Jackson County also “strongly recommends” that all residents stay six feet from other people, except family or cohabitants, when in public.
Remote work and face masks are encouraged as well along with a recommendation that seniors and other vulnerable populations simply stay home as much as possible.
Any Jackson County residents or businesses with questions should contact the county health department via email to COVID19@tmcmed.org or by calling 816-404-9883.
