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Emails Show Business Survey Gave Gov. Parson Reopening Advice

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson received advice from business leaders as he was considering reopening plans following a coronavirus shutdown.

Email records provided to The Associated Press under the state Sunshine Law show the Associated Industries of Missouri provided the results of a business survey to Parson's top staff on April 21. It showed about two-thirds of respondents reported a significant decline in business. Though some urged a gradual approach, more pleaded with Parson to reopen the economy as soon as possible. The governor announced on April 27 that all businesses could reopen May 4, as long as they followed social distancing guidelines.

Confirmed COVID-19 cases have surged this summer.

The Associated Press is one of the largest and most trusted sources of independent newsgathering, supplying a steady stream of news to its members, international subscribers and commercial customers. AP is neither privately owned nor government-funded; instead, it's a not-for-profit news cooperative owned by its American newspaper and broadcast members.