Cooper County residents are to refrain from hosting garage, yard, or rummage sales

Cooper County Public Health Center

17040 Klinton Dr. Boonville, MO 65233

Telephone: (660) 882-2626

 April 14, 2020

During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the public health and safety of all Cooper County residents is the primary concern and responsibility of the Cooper County Public Health Officer/Authority.  Therefore, Cooper County residents are to refrain from hosting garage, yard, or rummage sales at this time, and until such time as social gathering and social distancing requirements are removed by Governor Parsons.

Under the Statewide Stay at Home Order issued by Governor Parsons and the Essential and Non-essential Business listing of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, garage, yard, or rummage sales:

1. Are not considered an essential business.
2. Often exceed social gatherings of greater than 10 individuals.
3. Cannot ensure the social distancing requirement of six feet between individuals.

This decision was also affirmed today by the Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services & the Cooper County Emergency Management Director.  Other risks associated with garage/yard/rummage sales, include:

1. Increased traffic through certain neighborhoods in municipalities that may lead to traffic congestion, with the unintentional result of people congregating in groups larger than 10.
2. Potential for contact transmission of COVID-19 as sale items are handled by individuals.
3. The projected peak for the COVID-19 pandemic is not expected until the end of April and the virus is expected to continue to pose an infection risk for some time thereafter.

For questions regarding this advisory, please contact Melanie Hutton at the Cooper County Public Health Center at 660-882-2626, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

  Thank you for your support in helping to keep our county safe.