COVID-19 Briefing - Day 1 of reopening goes well

There were no issues on the first day of reopening businesses in Poplar Bluff, according to local officials who met for a daily briefing Monday afternoon.

“We are giving restaurants a day or two to figure out the new normal and we’ll go in (Tuesday) to start our normal inspections and we are still fielding questions,” said Emily Goodin, Butler County Health Department administrator.

Missouri Governor Mike Parson emphasized during his Monday press conference the importance for Missourians to act responsibly as the state reopens. As of 2 p.m. Monday, Missouri has had 8,754 positive cases, 358 deaths and more than 92,000 tests. Butler County has had 26 cases and no deaths.

“This reopening is a gradual process. Things are going to look different for awhile. But we are on the right track,” Parson said.

Butler County has also gone more than a week without a positive COVID-19 case as people take their first steps toward a new normal.

Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center resumed elective procedures on Monday with each patient going through pre-admission procedures that included a coronavirus test. All patients tested negative.

City manager Mark Massingham reported the Poplar Bluff City Council moved some tables and chairs around over the weekend to follow social distancing guidelines for the Monday evening meeting. The chambers currently allow for 20 people and the council is asking that anyone attending not arrive before 6:45 p.m.

Chris Rushin, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Poplar Bluff, updated the number of meals served to area kids and through last Friday, the team of the Boys & Girls Club, the Poplar Bluff R-1 School District and Chartwells have served 233,159 meals since March 23. Meal service will continue as is through the calendar end of the school year on May 21, and Rushin said the same delivery locations will be used on May 22 “as I understand it at this time.”