The Missouri Hospital Association has sent an open letter to Governor Mike Parson urging him to consider an immediate statewide face mask mandate.

They say the mask mandate may be unappealing but has become necessary.

Cox Health CEO Steve Edwards says he respects the governor, but says that we need a coordinated response.

I have great respect for our Governor, I know him to be a caring person. I too appreciate local control. But we are now under uniform threat, like war, it requires a coordinated response. We each give to protect others, we buy time for the vaccine. “The wolf is at the door.” pic.twitter.com/BGtP5nJfHi

— Steve Edwards (@SDECoxHealth) November 15, 2020