Governor Calls for Help from Clergy as Holidays Approach

During a call this week with clergy from across Missouri, Governor Parson asked for help spreading the message for Missourians to do everything possible to prevent the spread of COVID-19, including restricting family gatherings over the holidays, social distancing, hand washing, and wearing masks when social distancing cannot be maintained. He told those present that he does not intend to shut down the state at this time, but that it is imperative that citizens take the appropriate actions to limit the spread of the virus, especially as the holidays are approaching.

Dr. Randall Williams, Director of the Missouri Department of Health and Human Services, stated during the call that he expects Pfizer to request emergency use authorization for its vaccine "any day," and that it will likely take about ten days for the authorization to be granted. He expects that Pfizer will then begin delivering the vaccine for use immediately by healthcare workers and those working in nursing homes, who will be first in line for the vaccine. Second will be childcare workers, teachers, persons over 65 years of age, and EMS personnel. Next would be the general population. He stated that he anticipates that by roughly the end of August 2021, anyone who wanted to be vaccinated should have had an opportunity to do so, as other vaccines will be coming online by then, including one being developed by Moderna.