Parson says Guard activation ‘not about martial law’
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)
Gov. Mike Parson sought Friday to assure Missourians about the state National Guard's role in the fight against COVID-19.
Parson highlighted his activation of the guard during his daily online news conference on the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
You can watch the news conference in the media player below.
"This is not about putting Missouri under martial law," Parson said in the message streamed via Facebook Live.
Parson said President Donald Trump approved his request for a major disaster declaration Thursday, allowing the state to tap into extra resources.
The activation of the guard is meant to help meet communities' needs, including helping with testing for COVID-19 and transporting supplies.
"I want Missourians to know we are working around the clock to protect public health and support our citizens in every way possible," Parson said.
Missouri National Guard Adjutant General Levon Cumpton said the guard is committed to the health and well-being of the state and its residents.
Parson has advised residents to stay at home and his administration has issued an order banning public gatherings of 10 or more people but he has stopped short of signing a stay-at-home order.
Several local governments, including Columbia and Boone County and Randolph County, have instituted stay-at-home orders.
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services said 670 people have tested positive for novel coronavirus in the state as of Friday afternoon. At least nine people have died from COVID-19 in Missouri.
According to the health department's website, more than 160 people have tested positive for COVID-19 since Thursday. The state added hundreds of new cases over the last three days.
