JEFFERSON CITY (KMOX) - Missouri Gov. Mike Parson officially terminated the state of emergency he issued more than 17 months ago at the start of the coronavirus pandemic. He also declared a new executive order which represents a more targeted State of Emergency.
Executive Order 20-02 had been in effect since March 13, 2020.
"This Order enabled us to respond to the unknown and everchanging needs of our state," Parson stated. "Now, we know how to fight this virus and have a solution to ending the pandemic with the vaccine. Today, we are terminating this order as our situation no longer demands an expansive emergency declaration."
The new Order 21-02 acknowledges the continued needs of Missouri's health care system, which is still experiencing strain due to current staffing shortages being exacerbated by COVID-19, the governor says.
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It invokes the Governor's emergency powers pursuant to Section 44.100 and activates the Missouri National Guard for continued mission support in recovery operations, if needed. The order also keeps in place provisions related to remote notary services and telehealth, and it allows state agencies to request waiver of certain statutory and regulatory requirements that would otherwise hinder the state's response to ongoing COVID-19 challenges.
"We are returning to normal, but we must continue providing needed resources and support while more Missourians choose COVID-19 vaccination and are protected from serious illness," Parson stated.
The new order will be in place until Dec. 31.
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