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Missouri Gov. Mike Parson: Universities 'off to a good start' amid COVID-19 pandemic

Posted at 3:35 PM, Sep 09, 2020
and last updated 2020-09-10 18:00:12-04

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Missouri’s colleges and universities are “off to a good start” amid the coronavirus pandemic, according to Gov. Mike Parson.

“We know there is a lot of concern right now regarding college students,” Parson said. “But I want to assure you that our colleges and universities have plans in place, and we appreciate the hard work and leadership of higher education administrators to keep their students and community as safe as possible.”

The governor said he is in “constant communication” with university presidents and said most universities are doing an “excellent job” in managing the coronavirus on their campuses.

However, Parson said the state continues to see an increase in COVID-19 cases among the 18- to 24-year-old demographic. As of Wednesday, Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services data indicated that more than 12,000 people between the ages of 20 and 24 had contracted the novel coronavirus throughout the state.

“COVID-19 is still here, and while you may not think you are at risk personally, you could be putting those around you at risk,” he said.

On the first day of classes at the University of Missouri, nearly 160 COVID-19 cases were reported on the university’s COVID-19 dashboard. As of Sept. 9, its active case count had reached 635.

Missouri University of Science and Technology has reported 73 cases since Aug. 24.

As of Monday, Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville reported 359 COVID-19 cases among students and employees, 71 of them current.

As of the week ending Sept. 6, Missouri State University in Springfield had reported 791 COVID-19 cases since Aug. 23.

As of Sept. 3, The University of Missouri-Kansas City reported 43 cases of COVID-19. Four of those were from employees and the other 39 cases were reported by students.

The University of Missouri-St. Louis does not list COVID-19 cases on their websites. the University of Missouri-Kansas City do not list COVID-19 cases on their websites.