Missouri Physicians ask for statewide shutdown (3-26-20)

Missouri Physicians ask for statewide shutdown (3-26-20)

Evening, thanks for joining us tonight, i'm alan van zandt.

Missouri governor mike parson has has caught some criticism over how he's dealt with the coronavirus outbreak.

He has refused to order a statewide shutdown, instead letting local municipalities make that decision on their own.

However, the organization representing statewide physicians and other medical workers are speaking out.

Here's kq2's madeline mcclain..

As number of coronavirus cases in the u.s. continues to multiply.states are divided about stay at home orders.

California was the first -- and 20 other states followed.

Missouri did not.gov.

Mike parson, r-missouri: "social distancing is the key."

Shelter-in-place or stay at home orders in other states -- restrict people from leaving their homes -- unless its for an essential activity like grocery shopping or a doctors visit.gov.

Mike parson, r- missouri: you do it.

Don't wait for the government to do something."the question facing parson and other governors -- is "urging" americans to practice social distancing enough?missouri doctors and nurses say no.jeff howell, represents association of doctors: eventually it's going to happen based on the trajectory.jeff howell represents a group of doctors in the missouri state medical association.earlier this week -- m-s-m-a sent a letter to the governor mandate missourians stay home.

Jeff howell, represents association of doctors:saying if the state doesn't act soon, medical supplies will run out and nurses, doctors and hospital staff will be crushed by a tsunami of positive cases.

Jeff howell, represents association of doctors:what are the arguments against shutting a state down?it's unnecessary the economy.jeff howell, represents association of doctors42-thousand missourians are without jobs -- unemployment skyrocketing since the virus began spreading.but an economy can recover.a dead person cannot.

Jeff howell, represents association of doctorsthursday the governor ignored the request from medical professionals statewide shut down.gov.

Mike parson, r-missouri: "no, i am not.

I answered that question yesterday but it's important."

Madeline mcclain, kq2 news: do you think its time for cities and counties to take matters into their own hands?jeff howell, represents association of doctors: yes i do.

Without a state order i think it's on local governments.reporting in st.

Joseph madeline mcclain kq2 news.

Even with the criticism, parson