MENU
Updated 8/20/2020

Being in the wedding and event industry is tough, even without the challenges and dangers from COVID-19. However, it feels like the challenges and dangers of COVID-19 have been made infinitely worse by the miserable failure of our federal, state, and local officials to provide any senses of coordinated and effective leadership.

 

Though it is well established that wearing masks, washing hands, social distancing from anyone outside your household, and avoiding groups of people (especially when indoors) can prevent the spread of COVID-19, the rules around following these protocols varies between states, counties, and cities.

 

It is difficult to find and stay on top of current rules, mandates, and guidelines. Illinois, for example, has strict statewide mandates but specifics on those mandates are spread out over multiple state agencies and websites.

 

So, I have put together this webpage with links to mandates and guidelines pertaining to the St. Louis metropolitan area.

 

I'll do my best to keep this page updated as mandates, rules, and guidelines change. Feel free to contact me with suggestions or corrections.

 

Hang in there!


Ben Brammeier
Owner

Fish Eye Fun

 

Disclaimer/Warning

 

  1. Double check everything. I've done my best to summarize the highlights of orders and guidelines but you should read all the source material for yourself to be sure.
  2. If you find broken or incorrect links, out-dated information, or glaring errors, please let me know.
  3. I can't proofread to save my life. There are typos. Pointing them out won't hurt my feelings but I don't really care unless they make the information presented factually incorrect.

STL City & STL County

 

Updated 8/20/2020

St. Louis City

STL City - Heath Order No 13 - August 12th, 2020 (New Event Restrictions)

This order amends and supplements previous Health Commissioner’s Orders 8, and 9 and rescinds Order No. 10 and 12 and shall become effective at 12:00 a.m. on August 13, 2020 and will continue to be in effect until at least September 7, 2020

1. Bars, restaurants and nightclubs shall limit their capacity to 50% of their permitted occupancy or less and shall close by 11:00 p.m. As used herein, the terms “bars”, “restaurants” and “nightclubs” refer to establishments which serve or permit alcoholic beverages to be served for consumption by guests on the premises, including but not limited to, establishments commonly referred to as restaurants, event spaces, taverns, nightclubs, cocktail lounges, and cabarets.
2. Large venues shall reduce their capacity to 50% or less of their permitted occupancy and shall continue to comply with the Guidance and Protocols for Cultural institutions/Destinations & Attractions/Large Venues attached to Order No 9 as Exhibit I (see below).

 

STL City - Heath Order No 11 - July 2nd, 2020

This order supplements previous Health Commissioner’s Orders 9 and 10 and shall become effective at 7 a.m. on July 3, 2020 with no determined expiration date.

1. All individuals age 9 and older in the City of St. Louis are required to wear face coverings when inside public facilities, public transportation vessels and outside when social distancing is not possible.

 

STL City - Heath Order No 9 - May 22nd, 2020

This order amends and supplements previous Health Commissioner Order 8 and becomes effective at 4 pm on May 22, 2020 with no determined expiration date.

Large Venues may reopen beginning June 8, 2020 provided they comply with the Cultural Institutions/Destinations & Attractions/Large Venue Guidelines attached hereto as Exhibit I, and each has in place an approved operating plan under submission with the Department of Health.

Cultural Institutions/Destinations & Attractions/Large Venue Guidelines

Guidelines for "Large Venues" to be followed and enforced per Heath Order #9.

 

There are a LOT of guidelines venues must follow and enforce. Every venue should review all the guidelines. But, the most FAQ answers are:

Limitations on Gatherings: All Gatherings pose an increased risk of transmission and should be voluntarily avoided whenever possible. Gatherings of individuals outside of those in the same household pose a significant risk of COVID-19 transmission. All public and private Gatherings of 50 or more individuals are prohibited, except as otherwise set forth in this Order.

 

Drinking establishments must close to ingress, egress, use, and occupancy by members of the public by 10:00 p.m.

St. Louis County

STL County - Order Amend Re-Opening Guidelines - July 29th, 2020

 

There are a lot of details so please read the order yourself. But, the most FAQ answers are:

 

Limitations on Gatherings: All Gatherings pose an increased risk of transmission and should be voluntarily avoided whenever possible. Gatherings of individuals outside of those in the same household pose a significant risk of COVID-19 transmission. All public and private Gatherings of 50 or more individuals are prohibited, except as otherwise set forth in this Order.
Drinking establishments must close to ingress, egress, use, and occupancy by members of the public by 10:00 p.m.
All persons and Businesses must comply with DPH’s “Order Requiring Members of the Public and Employees to Wear Face Coverings.”
When a Business is subject to capacity limitations pursuant to DPH business-specific operating standards, guidelines and/or protocols, that Business must: Limit the number of individuals in any particular location to 25% (twenty-five percent) or less of the entity’s authorized fire or building code occupancy;
Due to the uniqueness of certain* Businesses, venues, and activities, a proposed plan for the Businesses, venues, and activities listed below must be submitted to DPH. These Businesses, venues, and activities must also comply with the 25% capacity restrictions set forth in this Order. These Businesses, venues, and activities can operate only upon written approval of the proposed plan, as may be modified by DPH. Approval of the proposed plan is subject to withdrawal or modification for failure to comply with the plan and for the protection of public health.*

*Wedding and Event Venue are not specifically mentioned but it is my understanding they fall into this "certain businesses" category and they must submit a plan for approval to operate and must comply with the 25% capacity restrictions.

 

STL County - Order Requiring Public Mask Mandate - July 2nd, 2020

 

There are a lot of details so please read the order yourself. But, the most FAQ answers are:

 

Face Coverings must be worn by:
1 - All persons over the age of 9, including employees or visitors, present at any Business or Public Accommodation, indoor or outdoor;
2 - All persons over the age of 9 when outdoors in a public space when anyone other than members of their household or living unit will be within six feet; and
3 - All persons over the age of 9 attending a Gathering of individuals who are not members of their household in any area which will necessarily involve close contact or proximity to others when six feet of separation is not feasible. This restriction does not apply to Gatherings of individuals at personal residences.
All Businesses and other venues that provide Public Accommodation must post the requirement that Face Coverings are required for entry and must continuously be worn while present in the business or venue.
Businesses are authorized to deny entry to members of the public who refuse to wear Face Coverings. A Business shall neither require the individual to produce medical documentation verifying a medical condition or disability, nor ask about the nature of a medical condition or disability.
"Gathering” or “gatherings” means people coming together as a group, whether formal or informal, whether public or private and whether indoor or outdoor.
“Public Accommodation” means Businesses or other facilities, both public and private, indoor and outdoor, used by the public, including, but not limited to, grocery and other retail stores, service establishments, educational institutions, entertainment and recreational facilities, concert venues, museums, bowling alleys, amusement parks, fairs, arts and craft facilities, zoos, public and private social clubs.

Missouri

 

Updated 8/20/2020

The State of Missouri currently has no state-wide restrictions or legal mandates regarding COVID-19.

 

Despite the fact Gov. Parson has acknowledge that COVID-19 is real with widespread community transmission across the state and he has declared (multiple times) that following safety protocols (wearing masks, social distancing, avoiding large crowds) are vital protect the heath and safety of our citizens, schools reopening in-person, and avoiding further economic harm...

 

Gov. Parson is leaving it up to counties, individuals, and business to "regulate" themselves.

 

Our contract requires clients to provide working conditions that do not "imperil or cause the Studio staff and/or representative to fear for their safety."

Well, per guidelines from multiple public health authorities including the CDC, Missouri Dept. of Health and Senior Services and statements from Dr. Birx and Gov. Parson himself, an event with dozens or hundreds of people gathered together for 4-6 hours with an open bar and no masks presents a clear and undeniable risk to the health and safety of our employees.

 

So, I have curated some quotes (with sources) from Gov. Parson and others to reference when dealing with clients who refuse to follow or enforce any safety protocols because they are "not required."

 

Dr. Birx & Gov. Parson Press Conference - August 18th, 2020

 

6:00 Minute Mark - Dr. Birx

"We need every American and everybody in Missouri to be wearing a mask and socially distancing."
"What does social distancing mean? It means we are asking every citizen to not have large gatherings in their back yards until we have an effective vaccine. To really curtail those gathering when you bring people together because we know there is amazing asymptotic spread."

7:15 Minute Mark - Dr. Birx

"Every person needs to really ensure they are not infecting another and that means we can’t have these large parties because of the level of asymptotic spread. I know we all want to believe our family members or neighbors couldn’t possibly have COVID. I can tell you across the United States they do. It doesn’t matter if your in a rural area or and urban area."
"We have seen parties in Texas where 150 out of 150 people were infected. An outdoor party."
"So this is what we need to do together. Because together if we decrease community spread and this common sense pathway forward we can have the schools open, we can have the universities and colleges open, we can have the sports team. But we all have to do our part to get these cases down."

22:00 Minute Mark - Dr. Birx

"It doesn’t matter if you're a Democrat’s or a Republican. You need to wear a mask and socially distance."

23:45 Minute Mark - Gov. Parson

"Social distancing and masks are making a difference."
"I also want to point out that just because masks aren't mandated everywhere does not mean you shouldn’t wear one, especially if you can’t social distance. Again, this is not just about ourselves. It is about everyone around us. Our actions do make an impact. We have come a long way since March and we must all continue to do our part to keep our families, friends, and neighbors safe."

30:00 Minute Mark - Gov. Parson

"Please continue to be safe, be smart, and be responsible. Social distancing is a key. Wearing a mask is a key. Washing your hands is a key. We are all not defenseless. We all know how to do these things now and it is up to us to continue taking steps to slow the spread."

Gov. Parson Press Conference - August 5th, 2020

 

10:00 Minute Mark

Regarding increased cases in young adults:

While younger healthy people are less likely to have severe symptoms related to COVID-19, they can pass the virus on to others that are more at risk. So, be responsible, protect yourself, but also protect others. We need everyone to take this seriously no matter how hold you are.
And remember, social distance, wear a mask, wash your hands. We have come a long way since March and we must all continue to do our part to keep our family, friends, and neighbors safe.

23:00 Minute Mark

In response a reporter's question regarding the national media attention surrounding more crowds at Lake of the Ozarks, this time at a concert over the previous weekend.

People have got to take this responsibility on their own to be able to implement this. The quicker we stop doing things like that, the quicker the state is going to get back on track where it needs to go.
For people’s safety, for people to get back into the classroom, and for the economy to move forward. People are going to have to take responsibility for their behavior. That virus is out there and it’s not going anywhere right now.

Gov. Parson Briefing Transcript - June 11th, 2020

 

When Governor Parsons announced on June 11th that the State of Missouri would be “open for business" he said "COVID-19 is not gone” and it was up to individuals and businesses to "regulate their own selves…”

 

"We must remember that COVID-19 is not gone,” Governor Parson said. “It is still extremely important for everyone to continue social distancing. Be proactive. Avoid large, congested crowds, and if you can’t social distance, take extra precautions to protect yourself and those around you.”

 

“We all know how to do this now, and it is up to us to take responsibility for our own actions.”

 

Illinois

 

Updated 8/19/2020

Illinois C19 Resources

Illinois Department of Public Health

 

Illinois DPH - C-19 Response Page

 

Illinois Dept of Commerce & Economic Opportunity

 

IL DCEO - Restore Illinois Page

 

IL DCEO - Phase 4 - Social Events Guidelines - PDF

Effective 6/26/20 - ?

 

IL DCEO - Resurgence Mitigations for Region 4 - PDF

Effective 8/18/20 - ?

 

Gov. Pritzker Statement on New Enforcement
Published 8/7/20

 

Illinois Executive Orders
Links to all recent EOs issued by Governor Pritzker.

 

Illinois Executive Order 2020-51 (COVID-19 EO # 47)

METRO EAST MITIGATIONS - Issued 8/18/20

 

Illinois Executive Order 2020-48 (COVID-19 EO # 45)

REISSUES EXECUTIVE ORDERS - Issued 7/24/200

Reissues previous EOs through 8/22/20

 

Illinois Executive Order 2020-43 (COVID-19 EO # 41)

PHASE FOUR REOPENING - Issued 6/26/20

 

Illinois Executive Order 2020-38 (COVID-19 EO # 36)

PHASE THREE REOPENING - Issued 5/29/20

 

Chicago Tribune Story - RE: Lawsuits
Published 7/2/20

 

Belleville News-Democrat Story - RE: Lawsuits
Published 8/12/20

 

Report Business Violations
Page needs to be updated. Link to EO 20-38 (Phase 3) does not work and you should refer to EO 20-43 (Phase 4) as of 8/14/2020. See EO links above.

 

 

 

Illinois Executive Order 2020-51 (COVID-19 EO # 47)

METRO EAST MITIGATIONS - Issued August 18th, 2020

 

In addition the the highlights below, this EO also says that EO 2020-43 (Phase 4) is still in effect which stimulates that guidance issued by the Illinois Dept. of Commerce and Economic Opportunity must also be followed.

The following public health restrictions and mitigations are instituted for the Metro East region, comprised of Bond, Clinton, Madison, Monroe, Randolph, St. Clair, and Washington Counties:
Mitigation for meetings and social events.
Meetings and social events in the region are subject to these restrictions and mitigation measures, which supplement the Phase 4 guidance from the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for Meetings and Social Events:

1 - Meetings and social events are limited to the lesser of 25 people or 25% of overall room capacity.
2 - Attendance lists must be kept for contact tracing.
3 - Party buses are not permitted.

IL DCEO - Resurgence Mitigations for Region 4 - PDF

Issued August 16th, 2020 - Effective August 18th, 2020 - ?

Region 4 has exceeded IDPH criteria that trigger additional mitigations to combat a resurgence of COVID-19 and prevent uncontrollable spread. As detailed in the July 15 Restore Illinois resurgence plan, new mitigations will be applied if a region’s positivity rate averages greater than or equal to 8% for three consecutive days, as it has in Region 4 from August 14 to 16, 2020.
Region 4 includes Bond, Clinton, Madison, Monroe, Randolph, St. Clair and Washington counties.
Meetings, social events and gatherings

• Limit to lesser of 25 guests or 25% of overall room capacity
• All reception halls closed
• No party buses

Illinois Executive Order 2020-43 (COVID-19 EO # 41)

PHASE FOUR REOPENING - Issued June 26th, 2020
(Re-issued with EO 2020-48 on July 24th)

Wear a face covering in public places or when working. Any individual who is over age two and able to medically tolerate a face covering (a mask or cloth face covering) shall be required to cover their nose and mouth with a face covering when in a public place and unable to maintain a six-foot social distance. This requirement applies whether in an indoor space, such as a store, or in a public outdoor space where maintaining a six-foot social distance is not always possible.
Limit gatherings. Any gathering of more than fifty people is prohibited unless exempted by this Executive Order.
Requirements for meetings and events. Indoor venues and meeting spaces can operate with the lesser of fifty attendees or fifty percent of room capacity, and in accordance with DCEO guidance.
Enforcement. This Executive Order may be enforced by State and local law enforcement pursuant to, inter alia, Section 7, Section 15, Section 18, and Section 19 of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act, 20 ILCS 3305.

Businesses must follow guidance provided or published by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity regarding safety measures during Phase IV, and the Illinois Department of Public Health, local public health departments, and the Workplace Rights Bureau of the Office of the Illinois Attorney General with respect to Social Distancing Requirements.

IL DCEO - Phase 4 - Meetings and Social Events Guidelines - PDF

Issued June 22, 2020 - Effective June 26, 2020 - ?

 

Physical Workspace Section - Minimum Guidelines

6. Venue Operator should close all dance floors

Staffing and Attendance - Minimum Guidelines

1. Limit to the lesser of 50 people or 50% of room capacity
3. Venue operators should design a plan to allow for social distancing within the workplace and if needed, designate employee(s) to monitor capacity limits and social distancing

Customer Behaviors - Minimum Guidelines

1. Customers should wear face coverings over their nose and mouth, except while seated throughout duration of meeting or event (exceptions can be made for people with medical conditions or disabilities that prevent them from safely wearing a face covering)

 

Chicago Tribune Story - RE: Lawsuits

Published July 2nd, 2020
The Tribune requires a subscription to read articles, here are the highlights.

A southern Illinois judge on Thursday declared void Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s orders aimed at slowing the spread of the new coronavirus, saying state law doesn’t allow governors to extend disaster proclamations beyond 30 days or restrict the activities of residents and businesses by executive order.
Pritzker spokeswoman Emily Bittner downplayed the significance of the ruling in a statement.
“Every other court — both state and federal — that has considered these exact issues has agreed with the administration that executive orders protecting Illinoisans’ health and safety are well within the governor’s constitutional authority,” Bittner said. “This includes a federal court decision earlier today.”
DeVore said those rulings were largely preliminary and did not deal directly with the governor’s authority under Illinois law and the state constitution.
The Clay County ruling is not final and did not include an injunction barring the state from enforcing Pritzker’s phase four rules, Bittner said.

Fish Eye Fun

12 Shumate Ave

Maryland Heights, MO 63043

Office Hours
By Appointment Only

Office Hours
Tuesday - Friday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM