Missouri governor urges return to work

LIBERTY, Mo. — Gov. Mike Parson on Tuesday continued his optimistic message about the state’s economy in the coronavirus pandemic and urged state residents to return to work if possible and support Missouri-based businesses.

A day after Parson’s statewide stay-at-home order expired and some businesses reopened, the governor encouraged Missourians to “safely re-engage in the economy” while also continuing social distancing and safety measures.

“Now is the time we really need to support one another and support those mom-and-pop stores on Main Street, and really make an effort to go out there and keep our economy going,” Parson said.

Parson spoke after Missouri announced that it had 8,916 confirmed covid-19 cases, compared with 8,754 Monday. There have been 377 deaths, up 19 from the 358 reported Monday. The newly reported deaths include some that occurred May 1-3 but were not already included in the count.

The number of infections is thought to be far higher than the number of confirmed cases because many people have not been tested and studies suggest that people can be infected without feeling sick.