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Monday marked six months since COVID-19 was found in Missouri, Gov. Mike Parson pointed out at his weekly update on coronavirus in the state Wednesday.
Since that time, the administration has worked nonstop to combat the virus and keep Missourians as safe as possible, Parson said. Over the next several weeks, he said, his office will be highlighting the work the state has done over the past six months - supporting education, child care and Missouri families.
Parson noted Wednesday the administration has protected public safety and at-risk populations.
"I want to thank my administration, cabinet members and all Missourians for working so hard to do your part and get us where we are today," he said. "We have come a long way since March - and we are making progress, and we must keep up our efforts."
Parson encouraged all Missourians to practice social distancing, wear masks and wash hands to help prevent spread of COVID-19.
He also touched on the violent crime issue that has been plaguing Kansas City and St. Louis.
"As you know, violent crime continues to be a big concern. Violent crime has been a problem in our state long before COVID-19," Parson said. "And we have seen it escalate even more in recent months."
As of Tuesday, he said, there had been 191 homicides in St. Louis so far in 2020 - more than all of 2018 and nearing the total for 2019. Kansas City had 138 homicides so far in 2020, compared to 104 at the same time last year.
"This is unacceptable, and we must hold violent criminals accountable for their actions," Parson said.
He said his administration has worked to address the issue since he became governor.
"We have worked with the African American community, clergies, civic and community leaders, law enforcement, and mayors across the state to develop a solution," Parson said. "We have also partnered with law enforcement at the local, state and federal levels to combat violent crime."
Officials announced last week that Operation LeGend in Kansas City resulted in 355 arrests, including the capture of 33 murder suspects.
"Today we announced a $1 million grant to the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis to extend and expand the 'Serving Our Streets Initiative,' which is on gun violence, de-escalation and providing resources to gun victims," Parson said.
The initiative focuses on community outreach and direct engagement with citizens in the highest crime and poverty areas of the city, according to an administration news release.
The initiative uses trained Urban Engagement Specialists to provide "boots on the ground" engagement that builds relationships with residents of targeted areas, according to the release. The workers generate and develop accessible, real-time solutions for residents and serve as advocates to assist in obtaining necessary resources. The initiative also supports programs such as Amnesty Project, Neighborhood Opioid Triage and Operation Clean Sweep. The grant will use federal grant dollars through Community Services Block Grants.
Last week, as part of the special legislative session the governor called this summer to address violent crime, the Missouri Senate passed two House bills aimed at supporting law enforcement officers, Parson said.
House Bill 46 would remove the residency requirement for public safety employees in the city of St. Louis. The change will allow the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department to fill some 140 vacant positions, he said.
House Bill 66 would create a pre-trial witness protection fund to provide resources for the security of victims, witnesses and immediate families.
"We are encouraged by this progress, and we will continue to work together to fight violent crime and achieve justice for victims and to make our communities safer," Parson said.
All public schools are back in session - in person, online or in a hybrid model - and the state's colleges and universities "are off to a good start."
He discussed with presidents of the state's universities the challenges the campuses face.
"We also discussed the continued willingness for state officials to assist universities with the challenges of COVID-19," Parson said, "including testing, contact tracing, and identifying all available resources to assure that higher education institutions continue to fulfill their missions."
The state and universities are preparing for the potential deployment of "new rapid testing options" and other tools as they come available.
There is a continued increase in COVID-19 cases among 18- to 24-year-olds, Parson said.
"We know there is lot of concern right now regarding college students. But I want to assure you that our colleges and universities have plans in place, and we appreciate the hard work and leadership of our higher education administrators to keep their students and communities as safe as possible," Parson said.
"I want to remind everyone, especially our young people, that COVID-19 is still here," he said. "And, while you may not think you are an at-risk person, you could be putting those around you at risk. This is why it is so important that we all continue to social distance.
"The most important thing we can do is social distance. Wear a mask. And wash your hands," Parson said.