This is a petition for Governor Mike Parson to implement a "shelter-in-place" order for the State of Missouri.

As stated in a letter sent to Governor Parson from the Missouri State Medical Association, "If things progress as is, COVID-19 patients will deplete the state’s available hospital beds, ventilators, and precious personal protection equipment. Any additional time without a “shelter-in-place” requirement wastes crucial healthcare resources, including manpower" (MSMA, 2020).

It is understandable that such an order could create panic, however, we are headed down a dangerous path with the current state of affairs. 

We have all seen the way this virus single-handedly has over run the Italian healthcare system, and how every day cases of this virus in the United States grow at an exponential rate. 

COVID-19 is coming whether we like it or not, and the best thing for all of us to do is flatten the curve. Implementing an order like this and enforcing it will definitely not stop the virus, but it will allow for our healthcare professionals to deal with it at a slower rate - hopefully not seeing a repeat of what took place in Italy.

This is a very unclear time for everyone and we understand that this is a very difficult adjustment to everyone's daily lives, but WE can also help. As it is, medical professionals, the military, first responders, hospital support staff, and even grocery stores and restaurants are keeping our world spinning. The least that we can do, is to show our support in the best way we can and ensure their safety.

To combat this disease, aggressive action needs to be taken. 

Thank you for your time & for reading this. On behalf of the creators of this petition (Venkatesh Satheeskumar & Ashwin Garlapaty, two students from the University of Missouri), we would like to thank all the government officials, medical professionals, hospital support staff, military & first responders, and even local shops for all actions taken to help combat this virus. It does not go unrecognized, so again, thank you.