COVID guidance from state expected

Butler County had 10 new cases of COVID-19 Wednesday, bringing the number in the county to 2,354 who have been infected, according to a briefing by county officials.

“We tested over 477 people Monday, and we’re already receiving results,” said Amanda Fitzwater, who is the operations director for Butler County Health Department.

Fitzwater stressed, “We will call them as the results come in. We’ve been letting people know when they call that we will call them.”

The Butler County Health Department has one more mass testing clinic this month from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 30 at Whiteley Park.

“We’ll have two in December,” Fitzwater said. “They will be from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Dec. 14 and Dec. 18 at Whiteley Park.”

The National Guard’s will hold separate mass testing events, with another from noon to 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20, at Whiteley Park and from noon to 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11, also at the park.

Boys and Girls Club Executive Director Chris Rushin explained, “Last week, we averaged about 360 kids a day. A little bit off the numbers, and I’m not exactly sure as to why. Maybe we did have some more kids who were quarantining, but again, we’re full steam ahead.”

Rushin reminded the group, “we will only be in operation two days next week. These will be the two days Poplar Bluff R-I will be in session.”

Patrol Capt. Phil Gregory and Poplar Bluff Fire Chief Ralph Stucker also attended the briefing.

Butler County Emergency Management Director Robbie Myers reminded everybody the next week’s briefing will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 25.

“I will make sure we have some updates from the hospital at that point, as well as we’re expecting to have some more information from the state (about) possible guidance and other things,” Myers said. “So next Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving, we will have some updates.”

Information was not available as of press time Wednesday regarding what type of updates may be issued by the state.