MO Governor COVID-19 Update

Governor Parsons repeatedly and in various fashion said Thursday that he is not considering a statewide mask mandate and that it is unlikely that he will change his mind. He also reiterated his support for local control and discretion of the mask ordinance in Missouri. As of Thursday, the Missouri Department of Health reported that the state is averaging just over 3900 new COVID-19 cases per day. Parsons says he is concerned about the increase in hospital capacity across the state and more importantly, the nurses and doctors who work in those facilities. Staffing is the major issue. Not so much bed space, but the reality of having people to work in those hospitals is becoming a real issue. We are looking at different avenues right now to hopefully to bring in some support to that. We're looking at all options as we can at the state level. On Thursday night, in a special session, the Jofflin City Council voted 6-3 in favor of a mask ordinance that is effective immediately. The measure will be in effect until February 28, 2021, unless the city council amends it before then. For KRPS, I'm Fred Fletcher-Fierro in Web City.