Missouri reported 31 new COVID-19 deaths and 148 more cases on Friday, May 8. The state has now reported 449 deaths and 9489 total cases since the onset of the pandemic.
The state reported that approximately 108,721 people had been tested as of May 7. With approximately 6.17 million people in the state, 1.8% of the population had been tested. Of those reported tested, 8.7% have tested positive. Of those who tested positive, 4.7% have died.
According to the state, 38% of the deaths and 32% 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.