The City of St. Joseph has issued a declaration and order that will require individuals to wear face coverings or masks when indoors with the exception of residences. The order goes into effect Thursday, Sept. 17, at 12:01 a.m.
What does this mean for your business?
- All employees will be required to wear a mask. If a 6 foot distance can be maintained from customers and other employees, i.e., an individual office, then a mask is not required.
- All customers entering your business will be required to wear a mask. There are exceptions as follows:
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- Persons under the age of 5 or those who are developmentally unable to comply
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- Persons who have physical disabilities that prevent them from comfortably wearing or taking off a face covering or mask or prevent them from communicating while wearing a face covering or mask
- Persons who have a medical condition that is exacerbated by wearing a face covering or mask
- Persons who are hearing impaired, or communicating with a person who is hearing impaired, where the ability to see the mouth is essential for communication
- Persons who are seated in a restaurant or bar
- Persons who are obtaining a service involving the nose or face for which temporary removal of the face covering or mask is necessary to perform the service
- Business owners and managers are responsible for ensuring employees and customers wear masks or face coverings
- It is recommended that signage be placed at entrances informing those entering the business that they must wear a mask or face covering based on the city’s order.
- Face coverings are not required in outdoor spaces
- Face coverings are required in indoor retail stores with 10,000 square feet of indoor space and in indoor spaces in which 6 feet cannot be maintained from others who are not part of the same household
- For restaurants, bars and taverns, persons who are seated are not required to wear a mask. Customers should wear a mask when they enter and leave the premises.
Additional information can be obtained by calling the City’s Health Department at (816) 271-4636.