Branson restricts some businesses, group events

The Branson Board of Aldermen held an emergency special meeting yesterday to pass restrictions on some businesses and group events amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The board voted 5-1 to close the operations of nonessential businesses, prohibit public and social gatherings of more than 10 people, and require social distancing of at least 6 feet among nonfamily members. Alderman Kevin McConnell voted against the measure, according to a news release.

The ordinance, posted to the city's website, identifies essential businesses as health care facilities, grocery stores, convenience food stores, pharmacies, law and accounting firms, government offices and day cares that serve children of those employed at essential businesses, among others. Restaurants may operate only as drive-thru, pickup or delivery operations under the ordinance.

The ordinance also prohibits visitation to nursing homes, retirement homes and long-term care facilities, according to the release.

City officials cited a clause in Branson's city code that allows the board to "make regulations and pass ordinances for the prevention of the introduction of contagious diseases in the city, and for the abatement of the same, and may make quarantine laws and enforce the same within 5 miles of the city."