St. Louis County Department of Public Health COVID-19 Update
Businesses Preparing to Reopen
Small business owners should be preparing to reopen by developing a proactive plan for controlling their environment. Writing policies and procedures to account for these activities will help to speed the reopening process. The spread of COVID-19 is manageable and preventable, but it takes thoughtful consideration. Much of which can be developed now before the opening of business.
Fortunately, a template already exists in reviewing the operational procedures of essential businesses which have remained open during the pandemic. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has authored Reopening Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfecting Public Spaces, Workplaces, Businesses, Schools, and Homes, which can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/reopen-guidance.html. In addition, the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry has also disseminated recommendations, which are available here: http://mochamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Return-to-Work.pdf.
Specific guidance from St. Louis County Department of Public Health and the County Executive’s Office is being created and should be available this week. Dr. Sam Page indicated this morning that the re-opening will be “slow, deliberate, and measured.”
Face Mask Requirement on Metro Transit
Starting on Monday, May 11, Metro Transit will take another important step to help protect transit riders and employees from the spread of COVID-19 by requiring all passengers to wear face masks at all times when riding on MetroBus, MetroLink or Metro Call-A-Ride vehicles. You will not be permitted to board a MetroBus vehicle, MetroLink train or Metro Call-A-Ride van if you are not wearing a face covering.
Face coverings need to fit over both the nose and mouth, and non-medical masks, scarves, handkerchiefs, bandanas and other types of cloth coverings are permitted. This measure does not apply to children ages 2 and under, or customers who have trouble breathing, are incapacitated or are unable to remove the cover without assistance. The requirement to wear face coverings on public transit follows recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and a requirement issued by the State of Illinois asking people to wear a face covering over their noses and mouths when in a public environment where social distancing is not always possible.
St. Louis County Workforce Development Job Fair
St. Louis County Workforce Development will be hosting a virtual job fair on Facebook this Thursday, May 7, from 10AM - 1PM. This event will provide jobseekers with a list of open positions, direct application links, and contact information for immediate follow up with a hiring manager. Please follow this link to join:
https://www.facebook.com/events/300356830950628/
Contact Information
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services hotline can be reached at (877)435-8411.
St. Louis County has created a website dedicated to the dissemination of information relating to COVID-19, www.stlcorona.com. Please visit that website or those belonging to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) or the World Health Organization (WHO) for the most current and reputable information.