Five new cases of the COVID-19 virus were reported in Stoddard County over the holiday weekend, all resulting from a gathering at a Malden church a little over a week ago, according to Stoddard County Presiding Commissioner Danny Talkington.
Talkington reported during Tuesday’s weekly conference call that three positive cases were reported Saturday, one Sunday and one Monday in the county. Three cases are in Dexter and two in Bernie.
As a result of the gathering, Talkington said several new cases have been reported in Dunklin County.
So far, 74 positive cases have been reported in the county, 42 are active and 28 have recovered. Four deaths have reported, all from the outbreak at Crowley Ridge Care Center, according to Talkington.
Talkington said several cases in Crowley Ridge are scheduled to come off the active list later this week.
Government building
to reopen
Talkington said the Stoddard County Government Building will reopen to the public Monday.
“There may be a limit to how many people who can come into each office,” Talkington said of following social distancing guidelines.
The county clerk’s office will be open from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday for absentee voting, which will continue from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday.
CARES Act
Talkington announced that guidelines for obtaining funds through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act’s Coronavirus Relief Fund will be announced next week. The state of Missouri allocated $3.4 million in funds to Stoddard County earlier this month. The funds may be used by government entities as well as small businesses.
He said the county’s attorney is defining terms, such as what constitutes a small business, and devising an application and a list of documentation needed to apply for the grant.
Traci Christian, owner of BA Promotions and Marketing, asked the commissioners if there will be a limit on the size of the businesses who may apply for the grant.
Talkington said the size of businesses would be based on the number of employees, and those thresholds will be based on local employment numbers.
Responding to a question asked by Misti McBride, co-owner of American Steakhouse, Talkington explained the program offers reimbursements not allocations and remains active until Dec. 30. Businesses may submit applications for reimbursement as many times as necessary.
Heather Carrillo, of Carrillo’s Martial Arts, asked what happens to the money not used by the county?
Talkington said that money will be returned to the state and eventually to the federal government.
Mary Ruth Boone, of the French Market in Dexter, asked if there would be a set amount for each grant.
Talkington said there is no set amount and no minimum or maximum.
PPP explanation
Alisha Trammell, executive director of the Dexter Chamber of Commerce, said she has a simplified explanation of the payroll protection program, which loans money to small businesses to be used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest or utilities during the COVID-19 outbreak.
She said she emailed a three-page document to chamber members last week and posted it on the chamber’s website.
“Anyone who needs that information, I’d be willing to share that information,” she said.