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Stay-at-home order takes effect

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Bruce Rushton

A landscaping crew works outside an HSHS Medical Group clinic as 5 p.m. draws near.

Hours ahead of a statewide stay-at-home order taking effect at 5 p.m. Saturday, some places in Springfield were bustling.

A brief drive through town on Saturday afternoon revealed at least one bicycle shop that appeared open. Several barbers and hair-cutting salons, which must close without knowing when they can reopen, appeared busy, as did a roofing crew. At least two landscaping crews were working hard, one outside an HSHS priority care clinic on MacArthur Boulevard.

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Photo by Bruce Rushton

Roofers hard at work as 5 p.m. draws near.

Craig Brace, director of marketing and communications for HSHS Medical Group, said that the landscaping crew is employed by a vendor, not directly by HSHS. Brace said he called a facility manager.

“He said that they had several jobs that they were trying to get done before the mandate at 5 p.m.,” Brace said. “This happened to be one of them.”

Businesses deemed nonessential must close at 5 p.m., and no gatherings of more than ten people will be permitted. The list of businesses that can remain open includes grocery stores, gas stations, pharmacies and businesses that sell both recreational and medical marijuana.

Contact Bruce Rushton at [email protected].

About The Author

Bruce Rushton

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Bruce Rushton is a freelance journalist.

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