As the number of local confirmed cases of COVID-19 rise so to does the temperature, creating another health concern for area residents looking to cool off.
Some of the usual places to escape the summer heat are not available due to the virus pandemic.
“COVID-19 makes something that’s a very needed service difficult to obtain,” said Robbie Myers, director of the Butler County Emergency Management Agency.
The National Weather Service in Paducah, Kentucky said an extended period of heat and humidity is expected through early next week with daily heat index readings between 100-105 degrees.
At 4 p.m. Wednesday the air temperature at the Poplar Bluff Municipal Airport was 95 degrees with a heat index of 107 degrees.
Residents that do not have air conditioning can find relief in the lobby of the Butler County Health Department, located at 1619 North Main Street, said Emily Goodin, the organization’s administrator, during normal business hours.
Goodin said the Poplar Bluff Municipal Library is open as a cooling center.
In both locations, residents are reminded to practice social distancing and face coverings are required for anyone entering the library.
Myers said the county might have faced a similar, but much larger problem, had there been flooding that displaced residents this spring.
Butler County reported three more positive tests for the virus Thursday, bringing the county’s total to 142. There has been a new case reported for 12 straight days, the longest stretch since the worldwide pandemic reached Southeast Missouri. During that 12-day span, the county has reported 44 new cases, a 43% increase.
Statewide, Missouri health officials counted 708 new cases Thursday as the total number reached 30,422. Over the past three days alone, there have been 2,532 new positive tests.
There have been 1,113 deaths in Missouri associated with COVID-19 over the past 121 days.
In all of 2018, there were 20 total heat-related deaths in Missouri, including five children left behind in hot vehicles, according to the state’s Department of Health and Senior Services.
The Missouri Department of Public Safety recommends that residents without air conditioning should stay on the lowest floor, out of the sunshine, and consider spending the warmest part of the day in public buildings. Open all windows early in the morning and keep the house closed during the hottest part of the day. Check to make sure that the inside temperature is cooler than outside, use floor and ceiling fans as much as possible and limit the use of appliances and equipment that give off heat.
Drinking plenty of water, eating light, well-balanced meals at regular intervals and dressing in loose-fitting, lightweight and light-colored clothes can also reduce the risk of heat-related illness.