Gov. Mike Parson declared a State of Emergency for Missouri during a press conference on Friday. He said this declaration was not made because the Healthcare system is overwhelmed or unprepared. Parson pointed out the purpose of this Executive Order is to allow more flexibility in utilizing the state’s resources and deploying them around the state where they are most appropriate.
The declaration is not intended to close public schools. Parson said schools should consult with local health officials when thinking about closing.
He also announced there are two new presumptive-positive tests for COVID-19 in Missouri, bringing the state’s total to four.
Parson said there have been 94 people tested in the state and four either tested positive or presumptive positive. He did release the location of the two new cases in Missouri. The two previously confirmed cases of COVD-19 were near St. Louis and another in the Springfield area.
The move from Parson comes 24 hours after Kansas City, Jackson County, St. Louis and other parts of the Show-Me State declared emergencies in response to the coronavirus.
You can view the press conference on the KMMO Facebook page or listen below.