CAPE GIRARDEAU (WSIL) -- For roughly six weeks, businesses across Missouri were forced to close their doors due to COVID-19.
On Monday, businesses were allowed to reopen once again under new and stricter safety guidelines called the 'Show Me Strong Recovery Plan'.
Tim Fischbeck, owner of Blue Diamond Sports Bar, showed up to work around 7 a.m. to get the business ready for whatever comes. Fishbeck says the bar was losing roughly $15,000 to $20,000 each week it was closed.
"Everybody's expecting a lot of people but we don't know," Fischbeck said. "All we can do is try."
Retail businesses are able to reopen at 25% occupancy, if the business is 10,000 square feet or smaller. Businesses larger than that may operate at 10% occupancy.
Bars and restaurants can offer dine-in services provided that they adhere to social distancing measures. Tables can't have more than 10 people at a time, according to those .
Bradley Jones, a resident of Scott City, wasn't sure what to make of businesses reopening, but he is glad to be playing in his pool league again.
"It's worth a shot, see what happens," Jones said.
Across the street from the bar, Back Porch Antiques is reopening business starting Tuesday, since Monday was a scheduled off-day.
Owner Beverly Kasten has been offering curbside delivery since the order went into effect. Now she's hoping to increase foot traffic in her store and hopes customers will follow safety guideline and wear PPE.
"I will provide hand sanitizer to use before and after (each visit)," Kasten said. "I don't have any masks... If they have a mask, please wear it."
