Missouri reported 36 new COVID-19 deaths and 88 more cases on Tuesday, May 12. The state has now reported 524 deaths and 10,006 total cases since the onset of the pandemic.
The state reported that approximately 121,296 people had been tested as of May 11. With approximately 6.17 million people in the state, almost 2.0% of the population had been tested. Of those reported tested, 8.2% have tested positive. Of those who tested positive, 5.2% have died.
According to the state, 37% of the deaths and 33% of these positive cases were black people, though blacks form only 11.8% of the state’s population, according to the U.S. Census.
On April 23, the state rolled out its expanded testing strategy in Buchanon County, a county that is 88.5% white and has meat production facilities.
On May 4, Gov. Mike Parson lifted his limited public health order for the state though COVID-19 cases and deaths continue to climb in the state.