Governor and First Lady Parson Test Positive for COVID-19

Governor Mike Parson and First Lady Teresa Parson announced that they have tested positive for COVID-19. The First Lady was tested after displaying minor symptoms. The Governor was then tested as well and also received a positive result.

I am not anti-mask, what I am, is anti-mandates - Missouri Governor Mike Parson

In a video statement the First Lady stated that she woke up with cold-like symptoms, and decided that since her and the Governor attend public events, she should be tested.

Governor Parson said that while the preliminary results of his test came back positive, he feels fine and will be taking all precautionary measures. He will continue to conduct and fulfill all roles of businesses of the state of Missouri from the Governor’s Mansion without interruption.

Parson was set to travel to St. Louis for a ceremonial bill signing event Wednesday and expected to take part in a Missouri Press Association debate against other gubernatorial candidates in Columbia on Friday, Sept. 25. The Missouri Press Association postponed the debate until a date that remains to be announced.

All other official and campaign events have been canceled until further notice. As a precautionary measure, the Governor’s staff has been tested and is awaiting results. Proper safety protocols have been implemented at the direction of Dr. Randall Williams, Director of the Department of Health and Senior Services.

Parson has been accused by the media of being anti-mask, however he has never been quoted to say anti-mask statements.

“I am not anti-mask and I’ll say that clearly again,” he said at a July 22 Springfield City Council meeting. “I wear a mask from time-to-time when I feel that need is there. I am not anti-mask, what I am, is anti- mandates.” Parson contends that he does wear a mask when social distancing standards are difficult to abide by. He also cites that large metropolitan areas like Kansas City and St. Louis already have their own mask mandates in effect.

Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Director Dr. Randall Williams supports the Governor’s position on a statewide mask order, telling Capitol reporters in July that there are 85 counties with one COVID-19 death or less.

“That’s very different than the experience unfortunately they’ve had in St. Louis County, where they’ve had more than half of our deaths,” Dr. Williams says.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story