KANSAS CITY, Mo. — More than 100,000 Missourians have recovered, or are recovering, from the novel coronavirus, according to Gov. Mike Parson. However, that information can't be found on the state's recently updated COVID-19 dashboard.
Speaking during his first press briefing since he himself recovered from the virus, Parson said that the "grand total" of cases can be misleading because it doesn't include how many people have recovered.
"This is why it is important to look at all of the data as a whole, not just pieces of it," he said.
Dr. Randall Williams, director of the Department of Health and Senior Services, said any recovery data would be an estimate.
"When you talk about long-term complete recovery… the number that’s in the literature is that 80% of people will recover such that they, coming out, do not have any ongoing issues," Williams said. "And so I sometimes see that number out there as if it is a data driven, and it’s more of an estimate."
Parson, again noting that the recovery rate is not discussed, said the state does not have those rates for every county.
"I truly believe well over 100,000 people have recovered form this virus," Parson said.
There are no plans, according to Williams, to add recovery information to the state's dashboard.
Missouri also is expected to release its COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan next week, according to Parson. Multiple agencies have been working on the plan since August, focusing on the following areas from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's COVID-19 playbook – Regulation, coordination, technology, logistics and engagement.
Parson said he believes Missouri is "ahead of most states" in the planning process.
"We will be well-prepared for our citizens when a vaccine does become available," Parson said.
The state's health care system is stable, according to Parson, and the COVID-19 fatality rate "continues to show a downward trend."
"This fight is not over, but we are on the right track and we have come a long way," Parson said.
