ST. LOUIS (KMOX) -- Warning of looming "disaster," local medical leaders including Dr. Alex Garza are urging Missouri Gov. Mike Parson to institute a statewide mask mandate and safer-at-home order.
"The real peak of this pandemic has yet to come" is something we've been hearing, but with colder weather on the way, Dr. Garza of the St. Louis Metropolitan Pandemic Task Force says a crisis is brewing at local hospitals.
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"At the pace we're on right now, we could easily, easily double the number of COVID patients in our hospitals within about two weeks," Garza explained Friday. "At that point, we will not have the capacity we need to sufficiently care for our patients. Not just COVID patients -- but all patients."
That includes outstate Missourians who might normally get transferred to St. Louis hospitals, whether to treat for COVID or something else like a heart attack.
Garza says the only way to stem the virus' "incredible" spread is for Missouri Gov. Mike Parson to issue a statewide mask mandate and stay-at-home order.
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"The best time to act was really yesterday, but a good time to act is now, he said.
Garza says Missouri is past the point when individual behavior alone can address the spread. He says a mask mandate and safer-at-home order would give citizens clear direction on what they should do.
"No locale is safe anymore," he said in response to Parson's belief that local jurisdictions can have differing rules and restrictions.
Garza, who appeared to became emotional during the news conference, closed by saying, "I'm not a dramatic guy, but this scares me."
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