Today’s update discusses:

• Kansas City and Jackson County announcing mandate for residents to wear masks in public
• Missouri state prisons continuing to see positive COVID-19 cases
• Governor Parson discussing calling special session for business protections from COVID-19-related lawsuits
• The St. Louis Pandemic Task Force changing how they record data

HEALTH

• The mayor of Kansas City, Quinton Lucas, announced a citywide mandate for residents to wear face masks beginning June 29. Lucas stated that although having a mask on can be uncomfortable, “this is a necessary step to ensure we can save lives and keep our economy open.” Exceptions to wearing a mask include children under the age of two, people with disabilities, people with respiratory problems, and people actively eating or drinking.

On the heels of Mayor Lucas’ announcement, Jackson County officials announced residents must wear masks when in any public building. According to the Director of the Jackson County Health Department, the mandate will go into effect July 1 in an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19 cases in the area.

• Another Missouri prison has confirmed positive COVID-19 cases in an inmate and two workers, bringing the total to 13 state prisons with confirmed cases. According to the online webpage, at least 155 inmates and 57 workers have tested positive. Despite this, some facilities have resumed visitations.

EXECUTIVE ACTIONS

• During a webinar late last week, Governor Parson discussed the possibility of calling for a special session regarding, among other things, liability protection for businesses. The request has come from many business interests asking for a bill reducing the ability of the public to sue an employer over COVID-19-related issues. According to Governor Parson, he is “sure that (business liability for COVID) will be part of the special session when that day comes” and that the state is “still in the process of discussing those things.”

RESOURCES

• The St. Louis Metropolitan Pandemic Task Force has announced that it will now report separately the number of hospitalized patients who have been confirmed positive for COVID-19 from the number who are suspected COVID-19 patients. Alex Garza, the head of the task force, stated the reason for the change is to show a “much more accurate representation of the data.”