STAY HOME! THAT SENTIMENT CAN BE HEARD OR READ JUST ABOUT ANYWHERE RIGHT NOW.
Kansas’ state-wide stay-at-home order went into effect March 30 and will continue at least through April 19. Missouri does not currently have a state-wide order in place, but many communities, including Kansas City, have issued their own stay-at-home ordinances. KC’s order went into effect March 24 and will continue at least through April 24. Visit here for an up-to-date list of all counties and cities in Missouri with stay-at-home orders.
SO, WE’RE SUPPOSED TO STAY AT HOME, SAVE FOR ESSENTIAL TRAVEL AND ACTIVITIES. BUT WHAT DOES THAT MEAN, EXACTLY?
According to Kansas City MO’s order, essential activities include “exercising and maintaining personal health (walking/bicycling/running/etc.), working at an essential business, obtaining supplies or necessary services, or seeking medical care,” via the city’s website. Governor Kelly assured Kansans that they are NOT under house arrest in a March 30, 2020, briefing.
And what is essential and what is not? The Department of Homeland Security has issued several helpful guidelines on what is considered essential business. You can see the list here.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR THE COURTS? FOR MY LEGAL CLAIM/CASE?
Missouri courts are still open as of April 2, 2020, but a new order issued on April 1, 2020 suspended all in-person proceedings in appellate and circuit courts, including grand jury hearings. Check here for the order, as well as a list of exceptions.
The Kansas Supreme Court released Administrative Order 2020-PR-016 on March 18, 2020 directing all district and appellate courts to cease all but emergency operations until further notice. Exceptions were expanded in a March 20, 2020 order.
This means that all legal operations are still continuing, but at a slower pace. The legal world is adapting by holding hearings and meetings via video-chat. You can rest assured that if you have a claim or case, it is still moving forward at this time.
City and state governments across the country have urged citizens to do as much as they can to stop the spread by staying home. Remember, it’s about who you could infect, even if you aren’t considered to be in an at-risk demographic. You can still enjoy a hike or bike ride with your family in this beautiful spring weather, but please practice safety measures, like social distancing and good personal hygiene.
As always, we can make sense of this new way of life together better than on our own. If you have any questions about any city-wide or state-wide ordinances or court orders, send us an email, give us a call at (816) 866-7711, or chat with us on our website. We’re here to help.