(JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri) – Yesterday in a letter to Missouri Governor Mike Parson, MAOPS President Steven Brushwood, DO, FAAFP asked the Governor to reconsider his stance on a statewide “shelter-in-place” order to slow the spread of the coronavirus in Missouri.

The Governor has thus far been hesitant to issue a statewide order, feeling that this was a decision best left to local governments, rather than a one-size-fits-all plan for the state. However, as the spread of COVID-19 in the state is increasing exponentially, and many local communities are not taking it upon themselves to issue “shelter-in-place” orders, MAOPS leadership feels stronger measures must be taken.

In the letter, President Brushwood states, “After hearing from numerous physicians on the front line of this crisis, shelter-in-place is the most effective action to be taken to stop the spread of the virus.” Brushwood said that he has heard from the organization’s membership from around the state, both rural and urban areas, with concerns regarding the availability of Personal Protective Equipment, delays in COVID-19 test results, and a reluctance of community members to adequately follow local shelter in place orders.

Brushwood also reminded the Governor that “This crisis extends far beyond the patients with COVID-19. Patients with other emergency and chronic disease issues will be subjected to delayed care or care in environments that will make them more susceptible to COVID-19 and other infections.”

MAOPS believes that shelter-in-place is the most proactive approach that can be taken to slow the spread of the virus. 

Missouri Association of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons
The Missouri Association of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons (MAOPS) was founded in 1897 in Kirksville, Mo. – the birthplace of osteopathic medicine – as the professional organization for physicians holding doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO) degrees. Since that time, MAOPS has been preserving and advancing the distinct philosophy and practice of osteopathic medicine through advocacy on a local, state and federal level. MAOPS is the voice of more than 3,000 DOs in Missouri.