Orders

City of Independence Mayor Eileen Weir, in consultation with Acting Health Director Christina Heinen, today issued the Safer Independence guidelines which went into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 11.

The City of Independence Health Department was recognized by the State of Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services as a Local Public Health Authorityin early December. From now on, the City will issue separate orders and guidelines for residents and businesses of Independence.

Please find below an overview of the guidelines from the City of Independence:

1. Masks must be worn while indoors unless alone in a room and outdoors if social distancing cannot be maintained. Exceptions include children under the age of 5, those with disabilities, those eating, people "obtaining a service" where temporary removal is necessary (such as visiting a doctor or dentist), and professional sports and organized youth athletes engaged in active game play.
2. All gatherings of 10 or more people must ensure masks, social distancing, and submit a gathering protocol 7 days in advance of planned event.
3. Indoor food and drink establishments may not serve between midnight and 5 a.m., must maintain no more than 50% occupancy, must enforce masks are worn when patrons are not actively eating/drinking, and must require social distancing between parties of patrons.
4. All other businesses that are publicly accessible need to maintain social distancing and mask wearing.
5. Businesses are held liable for compliance with the order. Failure to comply can result in a curfew restriction, revocation of licenses/permits, and the termination of utilities.

Find the full Health Orders here.

View the Safer Independence Guidelines FAQs (linked below) for more information.