Just asking.

After interminable hand wringing, Missouri Governor Mike Parson (r) has issued a statewide “Stay at Home” order.

Governor Mike Parson (r) [2018 file photo].

Governor Parson Issues Statewide “Stay Home Missouri” Order to Control, Contain, and Combat COVID-19
April 3, 2020

Jefferson City – Building on Missouri’s efforts to control, contain, and combat COVID-19, Governor Mike Parson today issued a statewide “Stay Home Missouri” Order effective beginning at 12:01 a.m. on Monday, April 6, 2020, until 11:59 p.m. on Friday, April 24, 2020.

The Order explicitly states that individuals currently residing within the state of Missouri shall avoid leaving their homes or places of residence unless necessary.

“First and foremost, I want everyone to know that I love this state and the people of this state,” Governor Parson said. “The people of this great state clearly define who we are in Missouri, and as Governor, I have no greater responsibility than to protect the health, well-being, and safety of all Missourians.”

In order to protect public health and prevent the further spread of COVID-19, Governor Parson’s Order includes specific guidance for staying home, social distancing, businesses and employees, schools, restaurants, firearm sales, and state government buildings.

Among other guidelines, the Order requires the following:

Individuals currently residing within the state of Missouri shall avoid leaving their homes or places of residence.
All individuals in the state of Missouri shall avoid social gatherings of more than ten (10) people.
All public and charter schools must remain closed for the duration of the Order.
Any entity that does not employ individuals to perform essential worker functions, as set forth in guidance provided by the federal government, shall adhere to the limitations on social gatherings and social distancing.
Any entity that employs individuals to perform essential worker functions, and that is engaged in retail sales to the public, shall limit the number of individuals in any particular retail location as follows:
Twenty-five (25) percent or less of the entity’s authorized fire or building code occupancy, as set by local authorities, for a retail location with square footage of less than ten thousand square feet (10,000 ft²);
Ten (10) percent or less of the entity’s authorized fire or building code occupancy, as set by local authorities, for a retail location with square footage of ten thousand square feet (10,000 ft²) or more.
The Order does not prohibit Missourians from accessing essential services, such as grocery stores, gas stations, and banks, or engaging in outdoor recreation, provided that necessary precautions are taken and maintained to reduce the transmission of COVID-19, including observing the social gathering and social distancing requirements set forth in the Order.

The Order shall be observed throughout the state and enforced by all local and state health authorities. Local public health authorities are directed to carry out and enforce the provisions of the Order by any legal means.
“There comes a time when we have to make major sacrifices in our lives. Many of us make sacrifices each and every day, but now more than ever, we must all make sacrifices,” Governor Parson said. “This is not about any one individual person. This is about our families, friends, neighbors, and the entire state of Missouri. For the sake of all Missourians, be smart, be responsible, and stay home, Missourians.”

As of today, Missouri has 2,113 positive COVID-19 cases out of 24,727 tested in a total population of 6 million Missourians. This data shows that 8.5 percent of those tested have been positive.

Of the 8.5 percent of Missouri citizens who have tested positive, approximately 22 percent have required hospitalization. This means the remaining 78 percent are recovering at home or have already recovered.

Missouri has at least one positive case in 76 of Missouri’s 114 counties. Over half of the total positive cases are in St. Louis region.

Also as of today, Missouri has 19 COVID-19 related deaths. Based on the state’s current data, Missouri’s death rate is still below one percent.

[….]

It took him long enough.

“…Based on the state’s current data, Missouri’s death rate is still below one percent….”

The “Stay at Home” order via Missouri DHSS [pdf]: Missouri Stay at Home Order DHSS April 3 2020

Representative Crystal Quade (D) – House Minority Leader [2019 file photo].

From House Minority Leader Crystal Quade (D):

I am thankful for Governor Parson’s decision to impose a statewide stay-at-home order. I’m also thankful for the countless medical professionals and Missourians across the state who contacted his office in recent weeks urging him to take this action.

While the governor kept insisting urban and rural areas must be treated differently for economic reasons, the truth is we are all at risk regardless of where we live. This decision is necessary, and if it had been done sooner fewer Missourians would be at risk.

“…if it had been done sooner fewer Missourians would be at risk.”

James Baker @jspencebaker
.@GovParsonMO gets no cheers or accolades for turning in his paper late.
5:27 PM · Apr 3, 2020

Yep.

Claire McCaskill @clairecmc
AND FINALLY AT 5 central, Missouri Gov issues statewide stay at home order. FINALLY. Gross incompetence.
[….]
5:46 PM · Apr 3, 2020

“…Gross incompetence.”

Uh, yep.

Tony Messenger @tonymess
This is unbelievable. @GovParsonMO just accused other governors and mayors of issuing previous stay-at-home orders without considering the consequences. You hear that @GovMikeDeWine ?
5:07 PM · Apr 3, 2020

Yep.

Governor Mike Parson (r) [2018 file photo].

Stay Home. Wash your hands. Don’t touch your face. Good luck to us all.
#FlattenTheCurve

Previously:

Gov. Mike Parson (r): Do the right thing (March 23, 2020)

Gov. Mike Parson (r): “What, me worry?” (March 26, 2020

Gov. Mike Parson (r): Still wringing your hands, eh? (March 28, 2020)

Are you smarter than Missouri’s governor? (March 31, 2020)

Are you smarter than Missouri’s governor? – part 2 (March 31, 2020)

Are you smarter than Missouri’s governor? – meta (April 1, 2020)

Are you smarter than Missouri’s governor? – A priority! (April 2, 2020)