Missouri hospitals urge governor to mandate masks statewide

Council has extended its mask mandate for another 90 days -- but what about a mandate at the state level?

Governor mike parson has resisted making an order since the start of the pandemic, but missouri's hospitals are calling on him to change his mind.

An open letter sent by missouri hospital association says that while it may not be appealing to everyone, it is necessary.

With more on the hospitals request for missouri to join 36 other states with mask orders -- here's kq2's madeline mcclain.

<<the state hospital association sending the letter urging the governor to institute a statewide mask mandate saying the wolf is at the door.this is in reference to the threat that we could overwhelm our hospital system and our healthcare systems if we keep going at this pace.

Just a month ago there was about 1500 cases of hospitalizations in missouri.

Now a month later we are at 2500.

And with the increase in new cases its likely hospitalizations will go up from here unless something is done about it.

Dave dillon, a spokesperson for mha, said, "the effort so far to encourage positive behaviors while important is not getting enough people to do the right thing and that's what we need.

The governor has repeatedly said he has no intention of instituted a statewide mask mandate.

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Whether this letter sways the governor's position is still yet to be determined.

If it does not.

The missouri hospital association urges us to wash our hands, wear masks, limit gatherings, keep our distance do all the small things to make a big difference because those small sacrifices will help the people that have been sacrificing to save lives since march.

Reporting, kq2 news.>> whilea covid-19 outbreak has