Today’s update discusses:

• Officials concerns about testing delays
• St. Louis County adding new restrictions
• Schools continuing to struggle with returning to in-person learning
• White House Coronavirus Task Force labeling Missouri a “red zone” state

HEALTH

• As cases in Missouri continue to rise, some officials are concerned about the delays in obtaining test results. St. Louis County Executive Sam Page has said the delays are “unacceptable.” However, both testing labs and local officials have been working on hiring new employees to help with the overwhelming volume of tests and results.
• Due to a high increase in COVID-19 cases, St. Louis County is implementing new restrictions. The public health order states that there is “continued danger to the health and welfare of the community” and thus, the order is to “provide standards for individual conduct while in public and for business operations.” The new restrictions include limitations on gatherings, capacity limitations, mask wearing requirements, and social distancing requirements. The order is to take effect tomorrow and will remain in effect until rescinded or amended.

EDUCATION

• With COVID-19 cases continuing to climb in Missouri, schools continue to struggle with the idea of returning to classrooms this fall. For example, Springfield Public Schools have laid out a hybrid plan where students attend classes for two days and then learn virtually for the other three days. Governor Parson met with superintendents this week supporting the hybrid plan, despite previously stating the need for kids to be back in school for in-person learning. Other school districts have also changed course, with several St. Louis area schools starting with virtual learning only.

FEDERAL ACTIONS

• A report released by the White House Coronavirus Task Force this week has added Missouri to the list of “red zone” states. As a result, the task force is urging Missouri leaders to consider more restrictions for what they determine to be COVID-19 hotspots. Hotspots identified included Branson, Hannibal, and areas surrounding the Lake of the Ozarks. The report also recommends that places such as gyms and bars be closed and that gatherings be limited to no more than 10 people.