We need to meet testing, other goals to reopen state

We want to thank Gov. Mike Parson for taking a cautious approach to the COVID-19 recovery plan.

Gov. Parson announced Thursday that a stay-home order would be extended through May 3, and that a data-driven approach would be used in the state’s recovery plan.

It is “intended to protect those most at risk of exposure to COVID-19 while returning Missouri to a new normal,” Parson said.

The plan, dubbed, “Show Me Strong Recovery,” hinges on rapidly expanding testing capacity and increasing state reserves of personal protective equipment. It also includes plans to continue monitoring hospital and health care system capacity and improving the ability to predict potential outbreaks in Missouri.

Since experts say we could be months away from a vaccine, we need to take strong steps now for the health and safety, as well as the economic future, of our residents.

We need to recognize how lucky our region has been. New York state officials announced Thursday the state saw more than 600 additional deaths due to COVID-19, and still has 18,000 patients being treated by hospitals, with 4,400 of those on ventilators. The state has seen approximately 11,000 deaths in total.

Missouri, by comparison, has seen 170 deaths in total since this began.

Every single death is a tragedy, but our tragedy could be so much worse without social distancing and the steps that have been taken to keep people separate and safe.

“I’m so proud of the people of Missouri,” Gov. Parson said. “You have listened. You have taken social distancing seriously. You have looked out for each other, and you have followed the Stay Home Order. Because of your diligent efforts and sacrifices, we are able to put Missourians back to work.”

It is crucial that as our state moves forward with “Show Me Strong Recovery,” we meet the benchmarks that have been set — especially regarding testing and PPE — before we take steps to lessen social distancing.

About 60% of the 600 sailors to test positive on the U.S. aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt have not shown symptoms of COVID-19, the Navy shared earlier this week.

Officials have long said COVID-19’s ability to be transmitted while the carrier shows no symptoms is among the greatest challenges of this virus.

We must be able to test and receive results quickly to be able to get people back to work.

We must also be able to protect our health care workers and others on the frontlines of the battle with proper protective equipment.

We hope the state can reach these goals by May 3, so we can all celebrate May 4th with the reopening of as much of our state as possible.

— Daily American Republic