Gov. Parson encourages shop local, support Missouri-based businesses

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KFVS) - Governor Mike Parson discussed the “Show Me Strong Recovery” plan during his COVID-19 briefing at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, May 5.

Governor Parson encouraged Missourians to shop local and support Missouri-based businesses.

The state’s plan to gradually open Missouri to business and social activity went into effect on Monday.

The governor reminded Missourians to continue maintaining social distance.

“We are on the road to recovery, and we must continue taking steps to protect ourselves and others. With that said, we encourage Missourians to safely re-engage in the economy,” Gov. Parson said. “Now more than ever, Missouri businesses need our support to get back on their feet.”

Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe, Department of Public Safety Director Sandy Karsten and several health officials joined the governor for his briefing.

Lt. Gov. Kehoe gave an update on the Buy Missouri program.

“The importance of shopping and buying local has been highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said. “When we buy Missouri, we support our friends and neighbors. Doing so will be even more critical in the coming weeks and months.”

Buy Missouri was created in 2018 by then Lt. Gov. Parson to promote Missouri businesses that manufacture or process products in the state. The program recently reached a milestone of 300 members.

Several businesses enrolled in the program stepped up to help with the COVID-19 crisis, including Ortman Woodcraft in Cape Girardeau, who produced face shields and other PPE.

Also during Tuesday’s briefing, the governor talked about severe weather that hit parts of Missouri on Monday.

He talked about damage in the Lebanon area, and a person who died in Bates County after severe winds caused a tree to fall on a home.

He also mentioned the train derailment near Campbell, Mo.

Governor Parson said on Wednesday he will have an update on federal funding available through the CARES Act to help with child care.

On Tuesday, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services announced 8,916 total positive cases of COVID-19 in the state and 377 deaths.

According to DHSS, there was a delay in the reporting of a number of deaths into the Missouri tracking system. In addition to the past 24 hours, the increase on Tuesday included some deaths that occurred between May 1-3.

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