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KSMU is dedicated to broadcasting critically important information as our community experiences the COVID-19 pandemic. Below, you'll find our ongoing coverage.

Missouri Governor Announces New Testing Plan

jimmywayne

A new plan in Missouri is aimed at rapidly increasing COVID-19 testing volume to 7500 tests per day in the state.  Governor Mike Parson announced the plan Thursday.

"I cannot stress enough how important this is for us to move forward," he said.  "Testing and the economic recovery will go hand in hand.  You cannot have one without the other."

The plan focuses on three main testing strategies, according to the governor’s office.  Those are box-in outbreaks, sentinel testing and community sampling.  Those strategies have already been in use, but Parson said those efforts will be ramped up starting next week.

The box-in strategy will focus on long-term care facilities with a target of 1850 tests per day.  There’s been at least one positive test of COVID-19 in staff, residents or both at 163 long-term care facilities in Missouri.

Sentinel testing involves testing vulnerable populations at state-operated facilities in 28 counties.  The goal is 1440 tests over a 10 day period.

Community sampling will involve setting up testing sites in various counties across the state, including Greene.  Those tests will be done over the next 10 days with a daily testing goal of around 975.  According to the governor’s office, any Missouri resident, symptomatic or asymptomatic, in those counties who wishes to be tested, can do so at the testing sites.

Watch Thursday's briefing here.  

Michele Skalicky has worked at KSMU since the station occupied the old white house at National and Grand. She enjoys working on both the announcing side and in news and has been the recipient of statewide and national awards for news reporting. She likes to tell stories that make a difference. Michele enjoys outdoor activities, including hiking, camping and leisurely kayaking.