Missouri governor order directs state employees to return to in-person work

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson (R) issued an order Wednesday that will require all state employees to return to in-person work later this month.

Under the order, employees who have worked remotely for most of the pandemic will return to work in the office by May 17. State buildings will also be required to reopen to the public during business hours, according to statement by the governor’s office.

“Since the start of COVID-19, our state team members have gone above and beyond to keep state government running and continue providing quality public service to Missourians,” Parson said in the statement. “Thanks in large part to their efforts, Missouri is in a strong position, and we continue to move forward each day.”

Parson cited the availability of COVID-19 vaccines and low case counts as the basis to having state employees return to their offices. He also encouraged state employees to get vaccinated.

“We are confident that it is safe to return to pre-COVID-19 work settings and schedules,” he said.

The statement noted that while there are not statewide restrictions in place, employees will be encouraged to “practice COVID-19 preventative measures.”

“As public servants in state government, it is important that we maintain a front-facing presence for those we serve, and it’s time we take this step towards normalcy for ourselves and the people of Missouri,” Parson said.

The state has reported nearly 604,042 total coronavirus cases and 9,319 deaths since the start of the pandemic, according to The New York Times. Almost 30 percent of the state’s adults have been fully vaccinated against the virus so far.