Missouri leaders say weeks to go in fight against COVID-19

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

An infectious disease expert said Monday that current restrictions will be needed for several more weeks to slow down COVID-19.

Meanwhile, state officials pleaded for more medical professionals to assist in the COVID-19 response.

Dr. Steven Whitt with University of Missouri Health Care said during Gov. Mike Parson's daily COVID-19 briefing that restrictions on movement are making a difference in the fight to slow down the spread of the novel coronavirus.

You can watch the full briefing in the media player below.

"Social distancing has been effective in slowing the spread of new infections, but we must remain vigilant," Whitt said.

Whitt urged Missourians to check on each other and keep the elderly and disabled in mind.

Parson and Sandy Karsten, director of the state Department of Public Safety, said the state has seen a huge response after a call for medical professionals to sign up for the Missouri Disaster Assistance Team. Parson said that since Saturday more than 900 health professionals have signed up for the team that will provide medical help with the state's COVID-19 response.

The team is open to medical professionals not currently in the workforce.

Karsten said based on modeling of how the COVID-19 pandemic will spread in Missouri, more medical professionals will be needed at the height of the outbreak.

Some may be needed to work at field hospitals scouted in recent weeks by the State Emergency Management Agency, the Missouri National Guard and other agencies. Mizzou Arena is one possible field hospital site.

Karten said the state needs workers for 12-hour shifts, "and this is not something you can do remotely from home."

The news conference Monday was the first since a statewide stay-at-home order went into effect.

The order issued by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services allows people to travel to get food, gas and medicine. It also allows essential employees to travel to and from work.

State health authorities reported Monday that 2,722 people in Missouri have tested positive for COVID-19 with 39 deaths. Some deaths reported by local health authorities were not included in that number, including one reported by Cole County.

Nearly 30,000 people statewide had been tested as of the last update.