In response to Missouri's record increase in positive COVID-19 cases, Gov. Mike Parson attributed the rising numbers to more testing and not a "second wave." The World Health Organization's Emergencies Chief Michael Ryan dismissed this notion earlier this week, however, and attributed the rise in positive cases to loosened safety precautions.
"This is not a surge or a second wave going on in Missouri," Parson said Tuesday. "These are outbreaks in specific areas, and we are aggressively testing in these areas to box in the virus and prevent further spreading."
Missouri recorded its highest number of positive coronavirus cases Tuesday with 430 new cases statewide. As of Tuesday, there have been 18,584 positive cases of COVID-19 in the state and 966 deaths, according to the city of Columbia's website. Boone County has recorded 287 cases, including 73 active, and two deaths. The county had reported 277 cases on Monday.
Recent outbreaks have occurred in the southwest corner of the state, particularly within food processing plants in McDonald, Jasper, Newton and Barry counties. According to a news release from the Department of Health and Senior Services, the state is conducting box-in comprehensive testing in these areas.
To read more, visit our partners at the Columbia Missourian.