Parson says statewide order being reviewed as social distancing period expires
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)
Gov. Mike Parson stood fast on the lack of a statewide stay-at-home order Thursday but said he plans to review the situation as a current social distancing order expires.
You can watch a replay of the governor's news conference in the media player below.
Missouri's social distancing order meant to slow down COVID-19 went into effect March 23 and is set to expire Monday. The order requires residents not to attend gatherings of more than 10 people and stops restaurants from providing dine-in services. It also bars public entry into nursing homes.
Parson was asked if he's considering a statewide stay-at-home order during his online news conference Thursday. The governor has been the subject of calls for such an order from some political and advocacy groups and local health officials but has resisted issue one, saying the decision is best left to local officials.
Parson said he would review whether to issue such an order as the expiration of the social distancing order approaches.
"That time is coming," Parson said.
The governor said he hoped to release more details about what he will do on Friday.
Both Boone and Cole counties, in addition to others around the state, already have stay-at-home orders in place.
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services said at least 1,834 people tested positive for novel coronavirus as of Thursday. More than 250 people have tested positive for COVID-19 since Wednesday.
The number of positive cases around the state has more than doubled since Sunday.
State health officials say at least 19 people have died from coronavirus.
The state health department said there are more positive cases in Mid-Missouri. Health officials say at least 69 people tested positive in Boone County and 19 others tested positive in Camden County.
