JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Missouri Gov. Mike Parson and members of his administration outlined plans to reopen the state's economy and provided other updates on the state's response to COVID-19.
"We are seeing improvements across the state," Parson said. "If good social distancing continues, we will reopen the economy and get Missouri back to work."
The state's stay-at-home order was extended until May 3.
"I hope the majority of businesses that are closed now will be open on May 4," Parson said, adding that people will need to practice social distancing. "Things will not go back to normal like flipping a light switch on."
He said his administration is also working on a plan to reopen the state's economy, a plan his administration has called the "Show Me Strong Recovery Plan."
Also during the briefing, the state's Department of Public Safety Director Sandy Karsten said there are three patients being treated at an alternate care site in Florissant. The site was converted from a hotel into a site where patients can be treated if they have mild or no symptoms of COVID-19.
Karsten also said the state expects to receive 12 pallets of face shields and eight pallets of hospital gowns to distribute to emergency responders.
There are currently 5,357 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Missouri and 180 people have died, according to data on the state's website.
Though Parson's stay-at-home order is extended until May 3, local leaders have extended their stay-at-home orders past that date.
St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson and St. Louis County Executive Sam Page both said the orders in their jurisdictions are in place until further notice.
You can see a county-by-county breakdown of confirmed COVID-19 cases on 5 On Your Side's interactive map below.
