Editor's note: This is a daily briefing updating the latest information on the COVID-19 pandemic at 4 p.m. each day.
A survey seeking the impact from COVID-19 on the local economy by the Greater Poplar Bluff Area Chamber of Commerce is finding a "staggering" amount of loss.
Steve Halter, president of the Chamber, said in a daily briefing of Butler County officials that of the 24 businesses that have responded so far, a combined $6.2 million in lost revenue can be associated with the coronavirus pandemic.
"That is a staggering number to me for just 24 businesses," Halter said.
The 19-question online survey is open to any business owners in Butler County. Among other things, it asks the number of people a business employed at the start of the year and currently, how many were furloughed or permanently laid-off and what will happen to those employees when the stay-at-home order is lifted. Another topic is what, if any, financial assistance did the business seek and how was it used.
"That's the kind of data we're going to need to transition into the recover of this," said Robbie Myers, Butler County Emergency Management Agency director.
Butler County has seen 2,541 unemployment claims related to COVID-19 while 1,314 claims have been filed by Stoddard County residents.
On Monday, the Missouri Department of Labor announced it was processing unemployment claims for self-employed, gig workers, independent contractors and those who otherwise do not qualify for regular unemployment benefits.
Those who qualify under the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program will be eligible for weekly benefits of between $133 and $320 plus a $600 federal supplement program.
To be eligible, individuals must file a regular unemployment claim and be found ineligible. The Division of Employment Security will then notify the individual.
Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center again put out a request for cloth face coverings.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone entering a health care facility wear a cloth face covering.
Johnna Craft, director of risk management and facilities compliance officer for the hospital, said that about 240 masks were given out Monday alone.
Myers said at least 1,000 face coverings are needed in the county.
To donate masks in Butler County, text or call 573-714-4197. Someone will come pick up the masks and distribute them where needed. (This information is included daily in the online briefing.)
The Southeast Missouri Food Bank has more than doubled since the COVID-19 pandemic started.
A mobile food bank site will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday in Fisk at the Twin Rivers General Baptist Church on Highway 51.
Missouri Gov. Mike Parson announced that the U.S. and Missouri flags will be flown at half-staff at fire houses across the state in honor of Kansas City Fire Department EMT Billy Birmingham who died of COVID-19.
His death is the first known COVID-19 line-of-duty death of a first responder in the state, Parson said.
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A look at stories you might have missed from the DAR:
• Saint Francis approved for plasma treatment of COVID-19 patients • Offender at Southeast Correctional Center tests positive for COVID-19 • Demand for food pantry help soars during pandemic
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A look at three stories from the Associated Press:
• Officials: 7 virus cases appear related to in-person voting • US OKs 1st coronavirus test that allows self-swab at home • ONE GOOD THING: Hospitals, volunteers combine to ease isolation of sick kids Latest coverage from AP.
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As of 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 21:
US DEATHS: 43,200 Mo. Deaths: 189 (+12) Mo. Cases: 5,941 (+134)
Cases by area county: Butler County: 23 Carter: 3 (1 death) Dunklin: 18 (2 deaths) Stoddard: 19 Ripley: 3 Reynolds: 2 Wayne: 0 Scott: 52 (1 death) Perry: 38 Cape: 37 (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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