Missouri Files Suit Against the Chinese Government Over COVID-19

According to a release from Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt's office Missouri became the first state to file a lawsuit against the Chinese government in relation to the coronavirus pandemic and it's negative effects across the world, in the United States and Missouri.

The release from Schmit's office says the suit alleges that Chinese authorities:

“Deceived the public, suppressed crucial information, arrested whistle-blowers, denied human-to-human transmission in the face of mounting evidence, destroyed critical medical research, permitted millions of people to be exposed to the virus, and even hoarded personal protective equipment (“PPE”)—thus causing a global pandemic that was unnecessary and preventable.”

The Missouri Attorney General's lawsuit outlines the negative impacts COVID-19 has had on the State and the people of Missouri. These impacts include record numbers of people applying for unemployment benefits, impact on Missouri's unemployment rate, and the effect the coronavirus is having on the State's short term and long term budget.

Additionally the suit addresses how Missouri's first responders and front line health workers are self quarantining from spouses and kids for their families safety. How the elderly are stuck in nursing homes and are unable to visit with loved ones and more.

Schmitt's release says the lawsuit is seeking, "relief on one count of public nuisance, one count of abnormally dangerous activities, and two counts of breach of duty." The State is seeking that the Chinese Government remedy the cause of the coronavirus. Stop their citizens from engaging in activities that can cause spread of the virus. Civil penalties, restitution and punitive damages.

You can read the office of Attorney General Eric Schmitt's press release here. You can access key factual allegations presented in the lawsuit here.