By BRENT MARTIN
St. Joseph Post
St. Joseph has extended its shelter-in-place order until April 24th in an effort to reduce the spread of the coronavirus.
Mayor Bill McMurray says there’s a reason that date was chosen.
“In part, because that’s the date the school district is using. We wanted to make it easier for people. Instead of having several dates, we have the one date. This extends the status quo. We will evaluate each week. It’s an on-going evaluation, based on the numbers,” McMurray tells St. Joseph Post.
St. Joseph residents are encouraged to stay at home, venturing out only for necessities.
Essential businesses can remain open, but must allow room for customers to be separated by at least six feet. Restaurants and bars can provide drive-through, pick up, or delivery services. Gatherings of 10 or more are prohibited, which includes church services.
Residents also can travel for outdoor recreational activities.
McMurray says, for the most part, city residents and businesses have complied.
“People have been very good complying with this ordinance,” according to McMurray. “The police chief told me that he’s amazed at how great the people have been in complying with it; businesses and people. Everyone here in town, I think, realizes the situation is serious.”
McMurray says the city will send a letter to any business not complying. If the business doesn’t come into compliance, then an inspector will visit the business.
City code allows for violators to be fined or even thrown in jail.
McMurray doesn’t want it to come to that.
“We’re just going to talk to people. Let’s be reasonable. We’re all in this together. Let’s work something out here so that we don’t come into contact with people and cause this virus to spread,” McMurray says.
Only essential businesses can operate. Restaurants and bars can offer drive through, curbside, or delivery services. No gatherings of 10 or more are allowed, including church services. Child care is exempt.