DHSS Director Dr. Randall Williams Archives

Missouri’s governor reiterates opposition to statewide mask mandate; promotes Show Me You Care campaign (AUDIO)

November 18, 2020 By Brian Hauswirth

Missouri’s governor has been using stops this week to tout a program called the “Show Me You Care” campaign, which emphasizes the need for you to wear a mask, practice good hygiene and to social distance.

Missouri Governor Mike Parson briefs Capitol reporters in Jefferson City on November 12, 2020 (photo courtesy of the governor’s Flickr page)

Governor Mike Parson says everyone must step up to stop the spread of COVID.

The state Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) says there have been 30,049 new COVID cases in the past week, an average of 4,293 cases per day. There have also been 62 new deaths during that timeframe.

Missourinet spoke to Governor Parson Tuesday, after he spoke at a groundbreaking ceremony for a new $23 million terminal at Columbia Regional Airport (COU). The governor is emphasizing the need for everyone to “step up” to battle COVID.

“I think everybody has got a little virus fatigue over nine months, but the reality of it, it’s a different time today,” Parson says. “We’re seeing these cases go at a pretty fast pace here. Everybody has got to do their part.”

The governor is also emphasizing the importance of washing your hands and avoiding large gatherings. He also says rural Missouri must step up, saying that the increasing COVID numbers statewide are concerning.

DHSS says there are currently 2,453 COVID patients in Missouri hospitals, including 582 in the ICU and 298 on ventilators.

Governor Parson says the next 30 to 60 days is crucial. Missourinet asked the governor on Tuesday about the Missouri Hospital Association’s renewed call for him to issue a statewide mask mandate.

“From day one I’ve recommended that people wear a mask, but I’m not going to mandate that for the state of Missouri. I’ve answered that question numerous times and that hasn’t changed any. People … again, I’m a fan of local control. I think that’s where it needs to be,” says Parson.

The governor has maintained that position throughout the pandemic, saying that he’s not anti-mask but is anti-mandate.

State Rep. Martha Stevens, D-Columbia, the ranking Democrat on the House Special Committee on Aging, called for a statewide mask mandate again on Wednesday.

“Our frontline workers and communities are looking for leadership as things get worse and worse across Missouri,” Representative Stevens tweeted.

Governor Parson and DHSS Director Dr. Randall Williams will brief Capitol reporters on Thursday morning at 9 in Jefferson City.

Click here to listen to Brian Hauswirth’s full interview with Missouri Governor Mike Parson, which was recorded on November 17, 2020 at Columbia Regional Airport:

“Missouri is fully prepared to start vaccinating people in December,” DHSS promises, including transporting long-term care patients

November 11, 2020 By Ashley Byrd

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Director told Missouri legislators that the state is “fully prepared to start vaccinating people in December” if the Pfizer vaccine for COVID-19 is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Dr. Randal Williams updated the House Special Committee on Disease Control and Prevention on how a vaccine would arrive and be administered in phase 1 of the plan, which could reach 250,000 of the most vulnerable citizens.

Pfizer is a frontrunner to get Emergency Use Authorization in the novel virus vaccine development and would be distributing the product from its Chesterfield, Missouri facility. That improves the shelf-life of the vaccine, which must be kept chilled at -94F and can only be removed from that temperature four times. The vaccine will be sent in batches every seven days.

“We’re incredibly thankful it’s in Chesterfield,” Williams told the panel. “I’m very hopeful that we can move through phase one with the Pfizer vaccine alone pretty efficiently.”

Phase one delivers the vaccine to the most vulnerable in the population and those that care for them:

Williams said he is has been speaking with Gen. Gustave Perna, the chief operating officer of Operation Warp Speed who is also overseeing the vaccine’s logistics and that he is pleased with the state’s plan.

The department has identified five hospital sites to administer the vaccine but has not yet announced the names as of this posting.

“We’re working with them to see how exactly they would administer to people who are coming in, for instance from long-term care facilities, to receive their vaccination,” Williams said.

Committee Chairman Jonathan Patterson asked, “We’ll have to bus in people from long-term care facilities to get the vaccine?”

“They will have to transport them, we will get them there to get it, yes,” Williams said.

Blunt: There are at least four companies with a vaccine — and distribution needs to be funded (AUDIO)

November 3, 2020 By Ashley Byrd

A COVID-19 vaccine could be approved soon, says Missouri’s senior U.S. Senator Roy Blunt, who has been involved in fast-tracking the process.

“There are about four that are looking good right now and others being developed. Washington University is looking at a vaccine and talking to some partners. It would actually be a nasal spray vaccine similar to the nasal flu shot except in this case putting that vaccine in the part of the body where you’re going to likely absorb the virus,” Blunt told Missourinet.

Blunt says Americans may not have a choice about which vaccine they are offered, but front-line workers and nursing home patients, and the most vulnerable are slated to get it first.

“I’m not sure that every vaccine will be free, it may be true for our state …but everyone who needs a vaccine will get one and people who don’t have coverage will be able to get one for free,” Blunt said.

The vaccines are not actually free as the federal government is buying the vaccines at a low individual rate from the companies it has already partnered with in early research or is contracting with once a drug is approved.

The question now is whether the federal government has the infrastructure and funding it needs to distribute the vaccines.

Blunt, who oversees how HHS gets or allocates vaccine distribution funding, says that $6 billion is “the right number” for national distribution of the drugs and is the figure he’s included in several Senate relief bills so far. He blames Congress for not coming up with the money as vaccine approval nears.

Missourinet asked state health director Randall Williams what it needs to do to pay for distribution across Missouri. He cited federal Health and Human Services Director Alex Azar that it would not cost that much.

Blunt disagrees: “The secretary of Health and Human Services seems to have some sense that there is already enough money out there. That’s not what anybody else has thought. Certainly, if there is no money appropriated to do this, we’re going to find the money and whether that’s money the states already have or money the Department of HHS will have to reposition with the approval of me and other appropriators.”

Blunt says money may be taken away from other federal programs to fund this massive effort.

Excerpt of interview with Sen. Blunt and Ashley Byrd

Missouri submits 111-page COVID-19 vaccine plan to CDC

October 15, 2020 By Brian Hauswirth

Missouri has submitted its plan for administering the impending COVID vaccine to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The state will receive feedback from the CDC on the 111-page plan by October 26.

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) logo (image courtesy of DHSS)

State Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) Director Dr. Randall Williams tells Capitol reporters that the plan’s hallmark is collaboration and coordination.

“It represents more than 100 state employees, a whole government approach, working with FQHC’s, working with hospitals, working with nursing homes, working with partners in the state and our federal partners,” Dr. Williams says.

FQHC’s are federally qualified health centers.

Missouri’s plan is based upon CDC’s anticipation of a phased availability of vaccines within the state.

Dr. Williams says Missouri will collaborate with health care systems and pharmacy partners to vaccinate long-term care facility staff and other health care workers.

“Our north star is to get this vaccine to those families, for their loved ones to get it, and at the same time to prevent community transmission so we can reduce the stress on our health care system,” he says.

Dr. Williams spoke to Capitol reporters at a Jefferson City press conference on Wednesday afternoon, where he was joined by Governor Mike Parson.

The plan says the highest risk population for mortality from COVID is nursing home residents, with 75 percent of Missouri’s COVID deaths happening in these facilities.

Missouri has about 425,000 health care workers. Dr. Williams says that as vaccine availability expands, efforts will be aimed at residents most at risk, the elderly and those with certain medical conditions.

The Missouri Hospital Association is praising the plan. They have been a partner in the vaccine planning effort.

“Missouri’s hospitals will be actively engaged in advocating for vaccination and administering the vaccine in the communities they serve,” Missouri Hospital Association President Herb Kuhn says, in a written statement.

Click here to read the 111-page plan.

The state Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) says the state has had 150,554 COVID cases this year, along with 2,442 deaths.

Decline in overnight call volume prompts Missouri to adjust hours on COVID-19 hotline

September 25, 2020 By Brian Hauswirth

State health officials say Missouri’s COVID-19 hotline will reduce its hours, starting in October. The hotline has seen a decline in overnight call volume.

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) logo (image courtesy of DHSS)

The state Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) established a statewide public hotline on March 11, four days after Missouri’s first case was confirmed. More than 112,000 calls have come in since that time, about COVID testing, symptoms and other questions.

The hotline has been 24-7, but that will change on Thursday October 1. The new hours will be 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week. DHSS says 93 percent of calls are received during that timeframe.

DHSS says the hotline’s call volume peaked in late March, with more than 15,000 calls in one week. The agency says they’re now receiving about 3,000 calls each week, and that the schedule is being adjusted to allow Missouri to use its resources most efficiently.

State health director Dr. Randall Williams says there was more uncertainty about COVID in March, than there is today. He also notes that Governor Mike Parson and various Cabinet members have held more than 75 livestreamed press briefings to answer questions from Capitol reporters.

Missouri’s COVID-19 hotline is 1-877-435-8411, and translation services are available.

DHSS says Missouri has now had 118,311 confirmed coronavirus cases, along with 1,952 deaths.

BREAKING: Parson and first lady test positive for COVID-19 (VIDEO)

September 23, 2020 By Alisa Nelson

Gov. Mike Parson and First Lady Teresa Parson have both tested positive for COVID-19. According to a press release from the Governor’s Office, the first lady was tested this morning after displaying minor symptoms. The results came back positive. The governor was then tested and his results also came back positive.

Gov. Mike Parson and First Lady Teresa Parson

During a press conference today at the Missouri Capitol in Jefferson City, State Health Department Director Randall Williams says all official and campaign events have been canceled until further notice, including Friday’s gubernatorial debate against Democrat Nicole Galloway.

The governor’s staff has been tested and is awaiting results.

Dr. Williams says the Governor feels healthy at this time and is displaying no symptoms. The first lady has mild symptoms.

In a video message, Governor Parson says he continues to do state business from the Governor’s Mansion without interruption.

(VIDEO) Gov. Parson’s COVID-19 and legislative briefing

September 16, 2020 By Alisa Nelson

Gov. Mike Parson held a briefing today to update the state on Missouri’s COVID-19 response. He also gave his thoughts on the state Legislature’s work during today’s veto session and the completion of its special session work.

Key points from today’s briefing:

•The governor says he expects the federal government to send Missouri about three million rapid COVID-19 tests by the end of year.

•Parson responds to Missouri’s approach to COVID-19 not always matching up with what the White House Coronavirus Task Force recommends. He says he trusts Missouri’s data to drive decisions at the state level.

•Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Director, Dr. Randall Williams, says the state has received its playbook from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention about the approach to take when a vaccine becomes available.

•The governor responds to the Missouri Legislature allowing his vetoes of bills to stand but only managing to pass two of seven crime bills he wanted. He says he’s content with the two bills that passed.

Have more coronavirus cases popped up from Lake of the Ozarks holiday partying?

June 3, 2020 By Alisa Nelson

Missouri Department of Health and Senior Service Director Randall Williams says he’s not aware of any additional coronavirus cases stemming from Memorial Day weekend partying at the Lake of the Ozarks. So far, only one person from mid-Missouri’s Boone County is known to have tested positive after being there.

Have more coronavirus cases popped up from Lake of the Ozarks holiday partying?

“Camden County, which was the number one county, has not seen any more positives,” says Williams. “And that’s now been a good while ago – ten days, eleven days.”

The popular summer destination draws partiers from all over the state and region. After local and national media plastered video and pictures of crowded pool parties at the Lake of the Ozarks from that weekend, leaders spoke out.

Dr. Williams said when young and healthy individuals who get the virus without showing symptoms transmit it to a more vulnerable person, that’s when tragic events could happen. St. Louis County officials issued a travel advisory urging residents who were there and ignored guidelines to self-quarantine for 14 days or until testing negative for the virus.

Since March, nearly 14,000 people have tested positive in Missouri for the coronavirus. At least 786 patients have died from the disease. The state has tested more than 211,000 people.

Parson extends Missouri reopening order through June 15

May 28, 2020 By Alisa Nelson

Gov. Mike Parson has extended his phase one reopening order through June 15. The restrictions mean nursing homes will remain closed to visitors. Retail will continue to have occupancy limits and bars and restaurants must continue to put tables six feet apart.

Gov. Mike Parson (Photo courtesy of governor’s Flickr page)

“We are extending phase one not because Missouri has taken a step back, but because we want to make sure we are fully prepared for phase two,” says Parson. “As long as social distancing and other necessary health and safety measures are implemented, businesses can still be open. Events such as graduations, weddings, county fairs, summer schools and camps can still take place. There are currently no limitations on social gatherings as long as precautions are taken and six feet of distance can be maintained.”

Parson says local leaders will still have the authority to issue further rules, regulations, or ordinances, as long as they are not inconsistent with the statewide order.

“Some communities across this state are further along than others when it comes to reopening and economic recovery,” he says. “Extending the order will give these communities more time to prepare and align with us at the state level as we continue working towards phase 2.

During today’s press briefing, Parson says crowded pool parties last weekend at the Lake of the Ozarks did not weigh in to his decision to extend the order.

CVS Health today announced it will open 22 new COVID-19 testing sites at select CVS Pharmacy drive-thru locations across Missouri as part of its nationwide COVID-19 response. Self-swab tests will be available to individuals meeting Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria as well as state and age guidelines.

Patients are to remain in their vehicles and be directed to the pharmacy drive-thru window. At the window, they will be given a test kit and instructions. A CVS Pharmacy team member will observe the self-swab process to ensure it is done properly. Tests will then be sent to an independent, third-party lab for processing, and the results will be available in about three days.

Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Director Randall Williams says today the sites are primarily in the Kansas City, St. Louis, and Springfield regions.

Missouri to ramp up COVID-19 testing next week but who’s paying for it?

May 21, 2020 By Alisa Nelson

State officials hope to complete about 7,500 coronavirus tests daily starting next week. During today’s briefing, Gov. Mike Parson says the plan will focus on three main testing strategies – box-in outbreaks, sentinel testing, and community sampling.

“This will allow us to keep the virus contained by identifying and isolating additional positive cases as quickly as possible,” says Parson. “Once our testing numbers are up, we will be able to re-evaluate and determine what is needed moving forward. The more testing we do, the more knowledge we have on what the situation in Missouri actually looks like and the better equipped we are to move forward.”

Gov. Mike Parson

The box-in approach will target long-term care sites, including nursing homes and assisted living centers for senior citizens, by testing staff and residents facility-wide. The goal with this strategy is to identify and isolate additional positive cases as quickly as possible. By “boxing-in” outbreaks in these places, this strategy aims to keep the virus contained and prevent further spreading.

Parson says 163 Missouri long-term care centers have had at least one COVID-19 case.

Sentinel testing is planned for next week at state-operated veterans nursing homes, prisons, and mental health centers in 28 counties over a ten-day period. Performing the periodic testing helps to identify and isolate not only symptomatic individuals but also asymptomatic individuals to keep them from unknowingly spreading the virus within the facility.

Community test sampling is also planned next week in six counties over ten days, including in Boone, Cape Girardeau, Greene, Jackson, Jefferson, and St. Charles. State Health and Senior Services Director Randall Williams says election for community sampling is based on locations with the ability to draw participants from a broader region as well as locations that have expressed a need for additional testing resources. It is not based on the number of COVID-19 cases in these counties.

Community sampling is intended to give the state a better sense of COVID-19 prevalence in a given area to help guide its response and ease uncertainty. Parson says if prevalence is low, this will help reassure citizens that it is safe to begin re-engaging in the community and returning to somewhat normal operations. If prevalence is higher, Parson says steps will be taken to keep the virus from spreading further in the community but did not elaborate on what this would look like.

How’s the testing being paid for?

“All the testing is pretty well right now going to be paid out of the CARES Act for COVID-19,” says Parson. “There’s a lot of money on the local levels for testing – that’s what we’re really emphasizing that money they’re sending out. So the local levels are going to be responsible too. The state is not going to come in and do their testing for them for free. If they have the funds and the resources to do it, whether it be the counties or the health departments, they’re going to have to help with that. Number two, when we go looking kind of in the private sector when we’re going around there, if the companies have the ability to pay for it through the insurance companies, they’re going to have to pay for that also.”

Due to a glitch, Kansas City has been left empty-handed when it comes to federal coronavirus funding and its corresponding counties don’t seem to want to play ball and share the aid Washington sent to them. Parson says he’s willing to help with testing in Kansas City, but he doesn’t want to open up a can of worms.

“We’re not going to get in the middle of turf battles up there. I mean that’s an issue up there between the counties and the city and that region,” says Parson. “So I’m not sure if that’s my place to fight that battle. We’re here in a support role to help them. I don’t think the state is here to take over the local levels and tell them what to do and what not to do.”

On Thursday, an informal group appointed by the governor to advise him how to spend CARES Act funding coming into the state held a public meeting. State Representative David Wood, R-Versailles, takes issue with local health departments footing the bill for testing services through local CARES ACT funding.

“Basically, you have no plans of sending money down, even though they are doing your work and they are funded through you, you’re having them compete for the dollars that are sent to the county,” asks Wood. “I’ve made that point in budget committee numbers of times that if Health and Senior Services is receiving additional funds from COVID money, whatever pot it’s coming from and they are not passing on to the people doing the work, that to me is … (mumbled expletive).”

State Treasurer Scott Fitzpatrick says Missouri has about $1.5 billion in federal funding to work with after buying personal protective equipment for state health and frontline workers.