Missouri Governor Mike Parson appearing on Fox News Thursday downplayed the need for mask mandates as the rate of new cases in Missouri peaked earlier this week. From KRPS, Fred Fletcher-Fierro has more.

According to the latest reporting from the Missouri Department of Health on Thursday, the state confirmed 2,109 new Covid cases through PCR testing. And another 769 cases with antigen tests. Missouri has experienced an 11% increase in the number of new positive tests over the past week.

Appearing Thursday on Fox News, Governor Parson said that regardless of the rise in new cases and deaths due to the disease he will not issue mask mandates, “We never have done a mandate in this state and we’re not gonna do a mandate in this state. People know the situation we’re in, and I trust the people of this state to do the right thing. And I think it’s important that we remember that this vaccine has only been available to the general public in any kind of volume for 4 to 5 months.” Governor Parson has been very critical of Kansas City and St. Louis in addition to St. Louis County, for issuing new mandates. Attorney General Eric Schmitt said that he plans to sue over their reinstatement. For 89 9 KRPS, I’m Fred Fletcher-Fierro