Following the lead of Missouri Gov. Mike Parson and state health officials, Warren County will roll back restrictions related to COVID-19 beginning Monday, May 4.

Presiding County Commissioner Joe Gildehaus said the county government is going to stick closely to guidelines for reopening provided by the governor’s office. That includes reducing restrictions on businesses such as restaurants, although some safety provisions will remain in effect.

As of Wednesday afternoon, local cases of COVID-19 stood at 24, with nine people recovered, according to the County Health Department.

Gildehaus said for a safe reopening, local businesses are going to have to take responsibility for ensuring social distancing and other health safeguards.

“They’re going to have to monitor themselves. We can’t be in (stores) counting people. We don’t have the resources,” Gildehaus said. “This is an opportunity to do what’s right, and make sure that common sense comes into play. I really believe our citizens have been doing that for the past eight weeks, and will continue to.”

Gildehaus confirmed that local restaurants will be allowed to reopen their dining rooms beginning May 4, but will have to follow social distancing and health guidelines provided by the state. Other businesses and gathering places, such as churches, should abide by the same guidelines when reopening, he said.

Gildehaus strongly advised all businesses and residents to review guidance on reopening that is published on the state website ShowMeStrong.mo.gov.

County offices will be opening to the public on May 4, Gildehaus added.

Gov. Parson announced on Monday that non-essential businesses could begin to reopen next week under the state’s “Show Me Strong” recovery plan. He said favorable data on the effort to contain COVID-19 supports the plan to gradually restart Missouri’s economy.

The plan requires citizens engaging in economic or social activities to remain 6 feet apart. Businesses will still be subject to occupancy limits to maintain social distancing and must follow other health guidelines.

After May 4 there will be no cap on the size of social gatherings, as long as necessary precautions and social distancing are maintained, according to the governor’s office.

The governor’s office said statewide reopening will rely on expanded COVID-19 testing capacity, increasing the state’s reserve of personal protective equipment, monitoring statewide health care capacity and improving the ability to predict outbreaks.

Jan Olearnick, executive director of the Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce, said area businesses are going to have to be comfortable with prolonged changes and public health measures.

“The ‘new normal’ is going to look very different from the ‘old normal,’” Olearnick commented. “There are definitely some people who are still very concerned (about COVID-19). We have to be aware of that and modify our practices accordingly.”

Since mid-March, local Chambers have been providing businesses with information about financial resources to help them through the crisis. Olearnick said the Missouri State Chamber of Commerce has now issued a guide to help businesses navigate the ‘new normal.’

The good news, she said, is that this small community has been relatively isolated from the impact of COVID-19. She encouraged county residents to go out and support locally owned businesses once they have the opportunity.

“Our community businesses need them more now than ever before,” Olearnick said.