The President and CEO of CoxHealth in Springfield says the city needs to mandate a shelter-in-place policy immediately.

On twitter on Saturday, Steve Edwards tweeted that city and state officials were weeks behind and unless action were taken immediately, hospitals would be overwhelmed.

When asked to clarify what he meant, Edwards recommended action like St. Louis, where essential businesses would remain open.

It’s time to act Springfield and Greene County, mandate shelter in place. In an epidemic we are generally making decisions two week behind. (Given the incubation period ) By this time in about 7-10 days COVID will be endemic and our hospitals will start to fill. . Act right now!

— Steve Edwards (@SDECoxHealth) March 22, 2020