Today’s update discusses:

• reopening Missouri malls and casinos
• St. Louis Area Foodbank establishing mobile markets
• lawsuit filed against Washington University for tuition reimbursement

ECONOMY

• Although the State of Missouri began to reopen May 4, certain businesses such as malls, gyms, and casinos have remained closed. However, the Galleria, Plaza Frontenac, and West and South County malls announced they will reopen on May 18. Restrictions on capacity and social distancing will be required. Additionally, all mall staff, vendors, and contractors will be required to wear masks.
• Missouri casinos will open again on June 1.

RESOURCES

• The St. Louis Area Foodbank is now working on “mobile markets” as an increased effort to provide food to anyone struggling to do so on their own. The Foodbank will open each market for two hours or until supplies run out. Markets will be held at various churches and resource centers beginning today.

EMERGENCY ORDERS

• A Washington University student has filed a class action lawsuit against the school for a tuition refund due to the school closing its doors in the middle of the spring semester and switching to online classes as a result of the pandemic. The lawsuit alleges that the student “was left learning the course material independently without the same professor, teaching assistant, and peer support experienced on campus.” According to the Washington University website, “[b]ecause students will be completing their academic coursework online and receiving credit toward their degree programs, tuition will not be reimbursed.”