Nixa unveils reopening plan

Nixa Mayor Brian Steele signed a reopening plan that has many aspects in common with Gov. Mike Parson's coronavirus edict announced late last week.

Under the city's updated emergency order signed by Steele, the stay-at-home order will be lifted on May 4, five weeks after it was enacted. The phased reopening plan lasts through May 31, according to a news release.

“This is intended as an important next step toward reopening our local economy, while maintaining important health and safety precautionary measures which we believe to be appropriate based on the advice of local health care leaders," Steele said in the release.

Under the order, retailers may operate with limitations. Occupancy must be kept at 25% or less for retailers with less than 10,000 square feet, and for those with more than 10,000 square feet, occupancy is required to be kept at 10% or less.

Restaurants can reopen dine-in services, with social distancing measures in place, according to the release.

The order prohibits events of 20 or more people, and for those with less, social distancing guidelines must be followed.

The city issued recommendations to business owners who choose to reopen their offices starting May 4.

Employers are being asked to require protective equipment; increased safety measures, including disinfection; a reduction in business travel; and the development of an infection disease preparedness and response plan, among other measures, according to the release.

Restrictions still in place include a ban on visitation to nursing homes, long-term care facilities and assisting living centers.

Nixa's order came the same day the city of Springfield and Greene County launched a reopening plan starting May 4.