Editor's note: This is a daily briefing updating the latest information on the COVID-19 pandemic at 4 p.m. each day.
Missouri health officials said Monday they’re starting to see a positive trend in the number of new COVID-19 cases around the state.
Butler County did not announce a new positive test for the coronavirus for the first time in eight days after the total number reached 23 on Sunday. Of those, as of Monday, 12 have recovered, two are hospitalized and nine are in self-isolation.
The statewide total released by the Department of Health and Senior Services reached 5,807 with 177 deaths related to the virus.
The total of deaths tracked by Johns Hopkins University’s Center for Systems Science and Engineering, which tracks cases worldwide, reached 200, while the New York Times database has 197 deaths for Missouri.
New cases over a seven-day average have started to level off.
“The data is beginning to indicate that our efforts, combined with the social distancing efforts of Missourians, have begun to slow the rate of new COVID-19 infections in the state,” said Todd Richardson, Missouri HealthNet director during the governor’s daily briefing in Jefferson City.
Johnna Craft, director of risk management and facilities compliance officer for Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center, said during a briefing held by local officials there has been a decrease in patients under investigation at the hospital as well.
“The good news is the capacity of the health care system to respond to this unprecedented event has expanded dramatically,” Richardson said. “And our data indicates that if current social distancing practices continue, Missouri will not see a critical shortage of ICU beds or ventilators as we’ve seen in other states.”
Richardson added that the state is working to create a “comprehensive testing strategy.”
STATE FUNDING
Missouri Gov. Mike Parson announced Monday another $47 million in state budget cuts.
“These restrictions include reduced funding for nine of our state agencies, the Office of the Attorney General and the General Assembly,” Parson said. “These are not easy decisions, and they are not made lightly.
“But this is the right thing to do to ensure our budget is balanced, and we are financially prepared to deal with the impacts of COVID-19 moving forward.”
Among the agencies with restrictions include Department of Elementary and Secondary Educations, the departments of revenue, natural resources, mental health, health and senior services, among others.
Earlier this month Parson announced cuts of $180 million.
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A look at stories you might have missed from the DAR:
• CARES Act helps create free COVID-19 testing site in Poplar Bluff
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A look at three stories from the Associated Press:
• Reports suggest many have had virus with no symptoms • Trump, Congress near deal on small business, hospital aid • ONE GOOD THING: Mets PA announcer offers kind voice amid virus Latest coverage from AP.
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As of 2 p.m. Monday, April 20:
US DEATHS: 35,012 Mo. Deaths: 177 (+1) Mo. Cases: 5,807 (+140)
Cases by area county: Butler County: 24 Carter: 3 (1 death) Dunklin: 19 (2 deaths) Stoddard: 18 Ripley: 4 Reynolds: 2 Wayne: 0 Scott: 51 (1 death) Perry: 41 Cape: 36 (1 death) St. Francois: 24 (1 death) Pemiscot: 13 New Madrid: 9 Bollinger: 3 Madison: 1
Clay, Ark.: 1
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Cloth face coverings are recommended for everyone by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Do not use surgical masks or N95 masks. Those are critical supplies needed for health care workers and first responders.
Be sure that the face covering "fits snugly but comfortably against the side of the face; secured with ties or ear loops; include multiple layers of fabric; allow for breathing without restriction; be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape." (CDC)
Instructions for sewn cloth face coverings can be found here.
Don't know how to sew? Click here to watch a short video on how to make a face covering.
To donate masks in Butler County, text or call 573-714-4197. Someone will come pick up the masks and distribute them where needed.
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From the AP: For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death. The vast majority of people recover.
Here are the symptoms of the virus compared with the common flu.
One of the best ways to prevent spread of the virus is washing your hands with soap and water. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends first washing with warm or cold water and then lathering soap for 20 seconds to get it on the backs of hands, between fingers and under fingernails before rinsing off.
You should wash your phone, too. Here’s how.
The Missouri coronavirus information hotline is 877-435-8411.
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