KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Missouri Gov. Mike Parson said Thursday he “feels healthy” while his wife, Teresa, continues to experience only mild symptoms after both tested positive for COVID-19.
State officials announced Wednesday that the governor and first lady tested positive for the virus, which has killed more than 2,000 Missouri residents during the last six months.
The Parsons are in isolation.
Gov. Parson “will continue to fulfill his duties from the Governor's Mansion for the next 10 days and participate virtually in scheduled events, calls, and interviews,” he said Thursday in a statement.
The governor’s staff, security detail and staff at the governor’s mansion also have been tested as a precaution and are awaiting results.
Any other staff who have had close contact with the Parsons will be working remotely for the time being, while additional contact tracing is underway.
The governor and first lady made several appearances across the state, including one in Kansas City for a ceremonial crime bill signing Monday in Kansas City and another at the opening of a new golf course in the Lake of the Ozarks region on Tuesday.
I joined @kcfop in a ceremonial bill signing for HB 66 — creating a Pretrial Witness Protection Fund in which law enforcement agencies can provide resources for the security of victims and witnesses and their immediate families. pic.twitter.com/ZQTgZ1Cbv9
— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) September 21, 2020
@FirstLadyTeresa and I had the chance to tour the new Payne’s Valley Golf Course, a partnership between Johnny Morris and Tiger Woods in honor of their late friend Payne Stewart. pic.twitter.com/ydYZ1IQE46
— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) September 22, 2020
Gov. Parson also appeared Monday in Carthage and Tuesday in Springfield, Cape Girardeau and Charleston.
Parson has been a staunch opponent of mask mandates, choosing instead to advocate repeatedly for “personal responsibility,” and was photographed at several stops without a mask on mask or in close proximity to unmasked individuals.
I joined @kcfop in a ceremonial bill signing for HB 66 — creating a Pretrial Witness Protection Fund in which law enforcement agencies can provide resources for the security of victims and witnesses and their immediate families. pic.twitter.com/ZQTgZ1Cbv9
— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) September 21, 2020
This afternoon, I joined the Jasper County Sheriff's Office for a ceremonial bill signing for HB 66 which was just passed by the General Assembly during our special session on violent crime. pic.twitter.com/5q2YhOK98o
— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) September 21, 2020
Joined local law enforcement, legislators, and county commissioners in Springfield for another ceremonial signing of HB 66, which creates a Pretrial Witness Protection Fund. We must give our law enforcement officers every tool we can to help fight violent crime. pic.twitter.com/38Im99DETX
— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) September 22, 2020
Teresa joined Gov. Parson at many of his visits across the state.
Thank you to Johnny Morris for his continued commitment and investment in Missouri. Incredible course showcasing the beauty of the Ozarks and the great state of Missouri! pic.twitter.com/qnseljOSl8
— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) September 22, 2020
Stopped by the Lincoln University Cooperative Extension Outreach Center in Charleston, which has been a distribution point for the USDA Farmers to Families Food Box Program.
— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) September 23, 2020
This group has been a lifeline for many families. Thank you for all you do for Missourians in need! pic.twitter.com/QXNqqDiWE2
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services and Cole County Health Department area spearheading contact tracing efforts.
Staff who have not had close contact with the governor or first lady are permitted to continue working at the office.
“Governor Parson reminds all Missourians to social distance, wear a mask, and wash your hands frequently,” his office said in a statement. “If you are sick or experience COVID-19 symptoms, please contact your physician and take the necessary steps to protect yourself and others.”
