Governor Parson Joins Cabinet Members, SEMA Officials, and External Stakeholders for COVID-19 Briefing and Press Conference

MARCH 3, 2020

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson joined Missouri Cabinet members, Missouri State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) officials, and external stakeholders for a briefing and press conference regarding COVID-19.

Today’s briefing furthered the state’s current preparedness measures should an outbreak occur in Missouri.

“As Governor, I have no greater responsibility than to keep all Missourians healthy and safe. Thanks to the ongoing efforts of Dr. Williams and the Missouri Department of Health as Senior Services, as well as local health officials across the state, we are very well-prepared if a coronavirus outbreak were to happen in Missouri,” Governor Parson said. “Today’s briefing only expanded on our current preparations, and we will continue taking proactive steps to educate, inform, and protect the people of our state.”

Dr. Randall Williams and the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) have been taking steps to prepare for a potential outbreak since January 27, 2020, and the Governor’s Office has been receiving regular updates from DHSS since January 29, 2020. 

“Over the past several weeks, our team has been collaborating with a robust network of response organizations to provide timely and accurate information in preparation for the possibility of a COVID-19 case in Missouri,” Dr. Randall Williams said. “Our number one priority is to protect Missourians, and while the risk still remains low, we will continue working with Governor Parson and all of our partners to ensure we are as educated and prepared as possible should the need arise.” 

On Monday, Governor Parson participated in a conference call with Vice President Mike Pence and the nation’s governors regarding COVID-19. Vice President Pence provided an update on the White House Coronavirus Task Force and the continued coordination with governors and state and local officials to respond to and prepare for the virus.  

Vice President Pence also thanked governors and state and local leaders – particularly state and local health officials – for their leadership on the issue. 

Tomorrow, Governor Parson will meet with Missouri’s statewide elected officials for a briefing. The Governor’s Office is also preparing to communicate with mayors and other local officials across the state. 

To date, there have been no cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Missouri. DHSS continues to work with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local health departments to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak and provide the most up-to-date information. 

For additional information and resources regarding COVID-19 in Missouri, visit www.health.mo.gov/coronavirus.