Butler County officials met as early as January to start preparations for a pandemic they feared would reach this area. By Jan. 31, only six cases had been detected in all of the United States and the risk of infection was reported as low. By the end of March, the state had reported 13 deaths, but no positive cases at that time in Butler County.
Jan. 31
• It is reported local officials have discussed growing concern over the coronavirus.
The meeting includes Butler County officials, Missouri Hospital and Health Systems and Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.
• At the time, six cases of the virus had been detected in the U.S. across four states.
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported the first human-to-human contact within the U.S. Jan. 30.
The risk of infection was reported as low at the time.
March 11
• Local health officials report they have met to prepare for the arrival of the coronavirus, sharing that no cases had been reported as of March 9 in Butler and Ripley counties.
• Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center puts guidelines in place to screen for symptoms and health departments in both counties report receiving a limited number of testing kits.
March 14
• It is reported Butler County school districts have started making plans to combat the coronavirus, including plans for additional disinfecting.
March 17
• Butler County schools report they will close until April 3 over concerns of COVID-19.
• Butler County Health Department reports the first seven COVID tests have been given, and no positive results have been reported.
• State health officials report six positive cases in Missouri, with 170 people tested.
• Butler County organizations begin reporting changes or cancellations to events and efforts, which would serve large crowds. Northside Nutrition will stop serving meals in the dining room and offer to-go and delivery meals. The Black River Coliseum closes its pool and exercise areas, while a Harlem Globetrotters event is canceled and Naylor High School postpones its prom.
March 18
• Butler County medical professionals speak out about coronavirus concern, with Dr. Chris Montgomery telling the Daily American Republic, “What we know is that this is an extremely communicable and easily spread virus.”
• Wayne County Sheriff’s Department begins making plans to deliver meals to residents in need during the COVID-19 state of emergency.
• The Greater Poplar Bluff Area Chamber of Commerce announces it will postpone all events for the next 30 days.
March 19
• Missouri reports its first death to COVID-19, with 17 positive cases in the state.
• Missouri Gov. Mike Parson speaks in Poplar Bluff, urging residents to take precautions, but not let fear lead to chaos.
• Three Rivers College announces classes will move to an online format as much as possible.
March 20
• Butler County Health Department reports it has five state test kits available, with more expected to arrive.
March 21
• Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center and John J. Pershing VA Medical Center share plans being made to prepare for the coronavirus, as procedures also begin to change at local jail facilities.
• Isolation areas are set up at hospitals for future COVID positive patients and procedures are established to check visitors and patients for symptoms.
March 24
• Local courts extend the cancellation of in-person hearings, Briggs & Stratton closes temporarily and Three Rivers College makes plans for staff to work from home. Butler County has given 23 tests, with no positive results as of March 23.
March 26
• The first confirmed COVID cases for the area are reported in Carter and Stoddard counties. The state reports 356 positive cases and eight deaths. Butler County has given 47 tests, with no positive cases as of March 25.
March 27
• Butler County health officials begin to pool medical supplies in the face of national shortages and 1,000 U.S. deaths due to COVID-19.
• The county reports receiving the first shipment of 20 boxes of N95 masks from the state and 30 medical gowns.
March 28
• Area residents begin making cloth masks, including a group at Sacred Heart Catholic School.
March 31
• It is reported Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center has begun treating COVID-19 positive residents from other counties.
• No positive cases have been reported as of March 30 among Butler County residents.
• Positive cases are reported in Carter, Dunklin, Ripley and Stoddard counties. The state reports 13 deaths due to COVID-19.