Now That Gov. Parson Is COVID-19 Positive Will Anything Change?
Governor Mike Parson and First Lady Teresa Parson have both tested positive for the coronavirus according to a statement released by the Governor's office.
After experiencing mild symptoms the First Lady was tested this morning, and the Governor was tested as well. As a result of the positive COVID-19 tests all official and campaign events have been canceled until further notice.
Governor Parson is asymptomatic and the First Lady is experiencing mild symptoms. Proper safety protocols have been implemented at the direction of Randal Williams, Director of the Department of Health and Senior Services.
Governor Parson has sent mixed signals about mask wearing throughout the pandemic. Urging Missouri residents to wear masks, yet largely not following that advice himself even though his job as Governor exposes him to many different people who may or may not be wearing a mask.
At this point I'm not sure anyone's mind is going to be changed about masks. I happened into a store in Sedalia last weekend and I was the only one in the store, customer or employee who was masked. Recently Johnson County Community Health dropped their mask requirement in favor of a strongly worded memo urging Johnson County residents to wear a mask. Really? Tell that to the UCM kids on my block horsing around, drinkin' beer and grillin' in the driveway.
It will be interesting to see if Governor Parson changes his opinion on masks. Or even starts to wear one in more situations. He really should, because the mask is more about not spreading the disease to others than it is protecting yourself. Probably not though, it's an election year.
If the Governor's positive test is making you rethink your position on masks, here's some information from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention on why wearing a mask is important.
Additionally here's the CDC information on how you can keep you and your family healthy and safe from the coronavirus. We've heard the guidance over and over, but it might be time to review it and rededicate yourself to a renewed effort at putting these practices into play. I think we're going to be dealing with this for a long time to come.