Gov. Parson defends lack of statewide stay-at-home order

Gov. Mike Parson said Tuesday that he is still not convinced a statewide stay-at-home order is the best idea for Missouri.

Several medical groups, like the Center for Public Health Excellence and the Missouri State Medical Association, have called for such a move.

More than two dozen states have issued stay-at-home orders including Illinois, Tennessee and Kansas.

Parson said rural areas in Missouri aren't seeing a spread of the virus like the more populated areas are. He said a move to shut down businesses could have a drastic impact on them.

"Right now there's still 95 counties in the state with less than five cases of the coronavirus in it. And a majority, 75 of them, has one or two," Parson said. "I have to take that all into consideration as I make decisions of how it affects the economy and how it affects those areas."

As of Tuesday night. Audrain, Howard, Miller and Saline counties are the only counties in Mid-Missouri without a confirmed case.