In response to the City of West Plains’ “Stay at Home Order” issued last Friday, March 27, City of West Plains officials are encouraging its citizens and business owners to educate themselves on the Order with information currently available on the City’s website.
Callers have been inundating West Plains City Hall, which is now only open for utility payments, with questions about the Order. In particular, City employees answering the phones are being asked by business owners which companies are considered “essential”, and which are considered “non-essential” during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The City has provided a guideline for its citizens and business owners on its westplains.net Website, with information available under the green “Stay at Home Order Facts” button at the top. Included is a “Question About Businesses” link that the City has provided as a guideline for businesses unsure on whether to keep their doors open.
City Administrator Tom Stehn said that “we’re all in this together” and the City is working on an approach to the Order which will help businesses determine whether or not they are essential.
“Whether or not you are deemed as essential and authorized to operate is ultimately a legal question,” said Stehn. “We encourage everyone to read the Ordinance, the Stay at Home Order, and the FAQs for the citizens and businesses. After reading that information, any business that still has questions can call City Hall, and a representative from the city will be in contact with an answer as soon as possible.”
In the meantime, Stehn said all residents and businesses need to follow the six-foot social distancing rule mandated by the President, which he noted is still not being followed in all circles.
