Gov. Mike Parson says Missouri’s COVID-19 state of emergency will expire Friday
As cases continue to rise around the country largely driven by the omicron variant, Gov. Mike Parson announced Thursday that Missouri’s declared state of emergency for the COVID-19 pandemic would be allowed to expire, saying the need for one is “no longer present.”
In a statement, the governor referenced the effectiveness of vaccines and concerted efforts between health care professionals and other leaders to mitigate the virus. He said the work done between all levels of government alongside private partners has been pointed toward “returning to normalcy.”
“We all now know how to best fight and prevent serious illness from this virus,” Parson said in a statement. “The State stands ready to provide assistance and response, but there is no longer a need for a state of emergency.”
Expiration of the state of the state’s emergency declaration means statutory and regulatory waivers still currently in place will immediately expire. Also the Missouri National Guard will not be used for COVID-19-related assignments.
The current emergency order, signed in August, is set to expire on New Year’s Eve. It followed four other extensions dating back to the early days of the pandemic.
Meanwhile, the emergence of the omicron variant as a dominant force in new infections across the U.S. has sparked renewed concern among many in the medical community.
Kansas City has seen a surge in cases as of late as well. As of Thursday, there were 2,190 new cases reported in the metro area, though the Kansas City Health Department believes cases may be as much as 10 times that amount based on an increased demand for testing.
The Star’s Natalie Wallington contributed to this report.
