Butler County sets new daily record for positive cases

The Butler County Health Department reported 183 new positive cases of COVID-19 Monday, marking the highest daily total since the pandemic began in March.

The previous daily record was 136 recorded on Nov. 13.

The additional positives reported Monday also put Butler County above the 3,000-case mark, with a total now of 3,124.

“It’s not time to let down your guard yet. We have not peaked at this point, and people need to keep that in mind,” said Butler County Emergency Management Agency Director Robbie Myers.

The numbers reported Monday, Myers said, also include positives from the weekend.

Six additional deaths related to COVID-19 also were reported Monday in Butler County bringing the total up to 31.

“The numbers are continuing to rise, and as we continue through the holiday season, we need to be mindful and use common sense things,” Myers urged. “We need to use common sense with social gatherings, and we encourage everyone to wear masks, wash their hands and social distance.

“The message remains the same, it just takes on more importance as we see the numbers rise and hospital capacity becoming an issue at different times.”

Statewide, the Show-Me Strong Recovery Plan Public Health Dashboard on Monday afternoon showed 18,564 new positive cases reported over the last seven days out of nearly 112,000 tests given. Overall, the state has seen 347,603 positive cases since the pandemic began.

Across the state, more than 2,600 Missourians remain hospitalized with COVID-19.

Eighty-three Missourians have died from COVID-19 in the last week, the state dashboard said, with an average of 12 per day succumbing to the virus. In all, 4,514 Missourians have died from COVID-19 related complications.

The actual numbers likely are higher than what is reported on the website, since the reporting process takes time to work through the system.

Myers is optimistic better days are ahead with the approval of a vaccine for COVID-19.

“It’s encouraging, but we’re still a long ways from large numbers being able to take it,” he said. “Before Christmas, we’ll have some of that here, so that’s a helpful sign.”

Mass testing for COVID-19 was being done Monday at Whiteley Park in Poplar Bluff, and another testing event is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 28 in the same location.

The drive-thru tests are free of charge.

The health department also conducts tests at its facility by appointment only.