Missouri governor says he’s seeking feedback in crafting reopening guidelines

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

Gov. Mike Parson said Tuesday that his administration will work closely with local government officials as it creates guidelines to reopen the state.

Parson spoke with reporters about the COVID-19 pandemic at the state Capitol on Tuesday for just the second time in weeks. The governor has hosted daily COVID-19 briefings on Facebook for several weeks, citing social distancing needs.

Watch a replay of the news conference in the media player below.

The state stay-at-home order is set to expire May 3. Parson fielded several questions Tuesday about how his administration will proceed with reopening businesses as the order expires.

"The majority of the businesses, especially in the service area … will all be open in our guidance," Parson said. "After May 3."

Parson's administration is working to fill in the details of a plan he announced to reopen the state last week. The plan includes expansion of testing, building up supplies of personal protective equipment for first responders and health care workers and using data to predict potential outbreaks.

Dr. Randall Williams, director of the state health department, said the state prioritized obtaining personal protective equipment with limiting funding available. The equipment is seen as saving lives, he said.

Parson said he hopes to have some guidelines available for viewing by the middle of next week.

The reopening will be gradual, he said. Parson said "we're a long way" from people feeling confident in leaving their homes and going into crowded areas.

Local government officials and business leaders are among those the state is getting feedback from as it crafts a reopening plan, Parson said. Local governments can craft or keep guidelines more strict than the state's, he said, but cannot craft regulations that are less lenient.

Parson also fielded questions about a large protest outside the state Capitol seeking an immediate lifting of the statewide order. He said the state will not deviate from its plan to lift the order May 3.

Scores of protesters crowded an area outside the Capitol on Tuesday, violating guidelines on social distancing that require people to stay 6 feet apart. Parson said following social distancing orders is an individual responsibility.

"The majority of Missourians are doing what they’re being asked to do," Parson said.

The news conference opened with Parson signing two bills that he called a priority of his administration. The new law will provide reciprocity of professional licensing for spouses of military members who move to Missouri from outside the state.

The state health department confirmed new cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday, bringing the total to nearly 6,000. More than 57,000 Missourians have been tested, Parson said.