Gov. Parson: College-aged residents continue to lead COVID-19 increases
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)
Republican Missouri Gov. Mike Parson said college-aged state residents continue to lead COVID-19 case increases across the state.
Echoing statements from his briefing last week, the governor said people among the 18-24 age range continue to prop up new COVID-19 cases.
"We're closely monitoring the impact this is having on Missouri's overall case growth and positivity rate," Parson said.
He added half of the state's positive COVID-19 tests on Sept. 3 were for residents in that age range.
The state's health department said 12,359 state residents in the 20-24 age range have tested positive for coronavirus since the pandemic started. More than any other range.
Watch the full briefing in the media player below.
Parson continued by saying colleges and universities have plans in place for COVID-19. He said his administration has spoken to universities going over rapid COVID-19 testing options.
The governor took time to go over progress made in the special session he called to address violent crime.
Parson highlighted two house bills, HB 46 and HB 66, during the briefing.
If signed, the first bill would eliminate a residency requirement for St. Louis Metropolitan police officers. The city's current requirement states all police officers need to live within city limits to be on the force.
The governor said the metro police department was down more than 100 officers.
The other piece of legislation would create a "pre-trial witness protection services fund" which would provide security and resources for witnesses of violent crime if it's signed into law.
One of Parson's legislative goals with the special session was to create such a fund.
Both bills passed through the state legislature on Sept. 2.
It's unclear how much money would be put toward the witness fund initially.
Governor's office announces $1 million grant to St. Louis organization
The governor also touched on a grant his office announced for the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis.
Parson's administration granted $1 million to the organization to help with a program that addresses violent crime.
The "Serving Our Streets Initiative" by the Urban League focuses on community outreach for gun violence, de-escalating crime in impoverished areas and providing resources for victims of violent crime.
Parson said talks started with the organization about the grant last year.
Parson tweeted a video Tuesday recapping his administration's handling of the pandemic.
The governor said in another tweet his administration will continue to respond to COVID-19, rebuild the state economy and strengthen the workforce and infrastructure.
Last week, the governor held a briefing going over a new saliva-based COVID-19 test developed by Washington University in St. Louis. US Sen. Roy Blunt (R - Niangua) among others spoke at the briefing alongside the governor.
Parson also called for a special legislative session earlier this year to tackle violent crime around the state.
The state Senate approved a bill last week that would allow the Missouri attorney general to prosecute crimes in St. Louis.
