Missouri Governor Mike Parson recommends following new Centers for Disease Control guidelines for large events and mass gatherings. The CDC recommended Sunday that for the next eight weeks, organizers cancel or postpone in-person events that consist of 50 or more people, with the exception of educational institutions, daycare facilities and business operations. According to the CDC, events of any size should only be continued if they can be carried out with adherence to guidelines for protecting vulnerable populations, hand hygiene, and social distancing.
The Springfield-Greene County Health Department and Greene County Commission said they support Parson’s recommendation. In a news release, health department officials said both the Springfield City Council and county commission will meet separately to discuss this issue in the coming days.
Springfield Mayor Ken McClure said beloved traditions such as family gatherings, things he pointed out that define us as a community, "are also, unfortunately, a means to make us sick."
Presiding Commissioner Bob Dixon said the more we can do to limit the virus spread, the better it’s going to be for everyone. According to Dixon, if actions aren’t taken the heaviest burden will be with first responders—“the people we depend on to heal and care for our sick friends and family.”
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