*Missouri Governor Michael L. Parson*

Office of Communications

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*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*

April 17, 2020

*Governor Parson Highlights Show Me Strong Recovery Plan*

*(JEFFERSON CITY, MO) *In todays COVID-19 briefing, Governor Mike Parson highlighted Missouris Show Me Strong Recovery Plan to safely and gradually reopen the states economy.



Governor Parson was joined by Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) Director Rob Dixon, Missouri Department of Public Safety Director Sandy Karsten, and Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Director Dr. Randall Williams.

Between now and May 4, we will continue to monitor the situation and work with Missouri's hospitals, health care providers, public health experts, business leaders, and state departments to develop a data driven plan, *Governor Parson* said. We will also be reaching out to the business community, as well as local county and city government, to put these plans in place for May 4th and begin the first phase of reopening Missouri.

Governor Parson introduced the plan following yesterdays extension of the Stay Home Missouri Order.

The plan is deliberate and data-driven with two initial phases intended to protect those most at risk of exposure to COVID-19 while returning Missouri to a new normal. Additionally, the Show Me Strong Recovery plan rests on four essential pillars:


* Rapidly expand testing capacity and volume in the state, including testing for those who are currently contagious and those who have developed immunity to the virus
* Expand reserves of PPE by opening public and private supply chains and continuing to utilize Missouri businesses in that effort
* Continue to monitor and, if necessary, expand hospital and health care system capacity, including isolation and alternate care facilities for those that cannot self-quarantine at home
* Improve ability to predict potential outbreaks using Missouri's public health data

This framework will allow the state to work through a gradual reopening, leading to broader economic recovery. Specifically, Missouris economic recovery plans will focus on the diversity of Missouri its people, businesses, communities, and infrastructure, among others.

Missouri is still currently in the immediate response phase and will soon move to the gradual reopening phase driven by Missouri-specific public health data.

No matter how long it takes, I assure you we will recover from this and come back better than before. I look forward to seeing Missourians safe, healthy, and back to work, *Governor Parson* said.

Also during todays briefing, Director Dixon provided an update on several other economic development relief efforts.

Early in the states COVID-19 response efforts, Governor Parson directed the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency and DED to seek assistance for Missouri businesses through the U.S. Small Business Administrations (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loan program.

As a result, 46,481 Missouri small businesses have been approved for the SBA Paycheck Protection Program, ranking Missouri 10th in the nation for the number of businesses that have been approved. In total, these businesses were approved for more than $7.5 billion, putting Missouri at 15th in the nation for total dollars approved.

Yesterday, the SBA announced that it has subscribed its full $350 billion for the program, and there is no additional funding available.

Earlier today, Governor Parson and DED announced more than $3 million in state grants to help expand broadband internet service to 4,400 Missouri homes, businesses and farms.

Along with other state departments, DED has also created a web page [ [link removed] ] that lists broadband discounts, waivers, and free resources available to Missourians during the COVID-19 pandemic. These efforts are intended to help ensure citizens have continued access to necessary services and that businesses remain connected to customers in todays economy.

Additionally, DEDs Missouri One Start Division is working to connect health care workers with health care facilities in need of more staff.

To view Governor Parsons remarks from todays briefing, please see attachment. Pictures from the briefing are available on Governor Parsons Flickr page [ [link removed] ].

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* 4-17-2020 BRIEFING.pdf [ [link removed] ]
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*Contact: Kelli R. Jones*

Communications Director

Work: 573-751-0765

Mobile: 573-508-9072

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.governor.mo.gov


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This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Office of Governor Michael L. Parson PO Box 720 Jefferson City, MO 65102 (573) 751-3222 GovDelivery logo [ [link removed] ]