By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph will tighten restrictions aimed at
curbing the spread of coronavirus.An emergency declaration bans gatherings of 10 or
more people for the next 15 days. Previously, the city banned gatherings of 50
or more. Restaurants will not be allowed to serve dine-in patrons, but will be
restricted to drive-through, take out, or delivery. Most bars, in effect, will
be closed. Large grocery stores which can accommodate plenty of space between
customers will remain open. Religious groups are included in the restrictions.Mayor Bill McMurray says the city hopes to help
keep COVID-19 from gaining a foothold here.“They have the graphs drawn of the large mountain
versus the small, little mole hill. We want to flatten the curve, as they say
and not have these huge incidents of infections,” McMurray says. “The way to do
that is to socially distance (each other, keep people apart so that people
aren’t together and infecting one another. So, that’s the point behind this
whole thing.”McMurray acknowledges the restrictions will put a
strain on city businesses. He does, though, say it appears most residents understand
the situation and will comply.“I’m sure there are a few people who won’t
(comply). I know some people who aren’t going to. But, let’s get real here, this
is the most serious thing at any of us have experienced in our lifetimes, ever.”Transit
buses are still running. The Bode Ice Arena and the REC Center will close. All
St. Joseph libraries and the St. Jo Frontier Casino have closed.St.
Joseph city councilmembers made the decision after a conference call with Gov.
Mike Parson.

St. Joseph to impose much tighter restrictions in COVID-19 fight