Parson Extending State of Emergency in Missouri

(Jefferson City, MO) Governor Mike Parson is extending Missouri's COVID-19 state of emergency. A news release from the Governor's office shows Parson signed an Executive Order Friday extending the state of emergency through August 31st. Parson says, "We have made incredible progress in a short amount of time, and we must continue doing all that we can to support Missouri citizens, business, and communities throughout the recovery process". The state of emergency extension will allow the state continued flexibility in providing resources, and easing regulatory burdens, to further assist Missouri's COVID-19 recovery efforts. This also allows for continued utilization of the Missouri National Guard and federal funding for COVID-19 response efforts. Governor Parson initially declared a state of emergency on March 13th of 2020. Since that time nearly 600 state statutes and regulations have been waived, or suspended, to increase efficiency, and effectiveness, in responding to COVID-19.