Editor's note: This is a daily briefing updating the latest information on the COVID-19 pandemic at 4 p.m. each day.
The number of people in Missouri who have contracted coronavirus has reached 500 as state officials warn that COVID-19 is spreading among communities. Around the world, the number of cases has reached half a million.
Missouri saw 146 new cases Wednesday, including one each in Carter and Stoddard counties while Dunklin County saw two more cases.
“We have entered a new phase in Missouri’s fight to slow COVID-19. Parts of the state are experiencing community transmission. This means you should assume that every community is exposed to the virus,” said Dr. Randall Williams, director of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services in a statement released Thursday.
Social distancing, Williams writes, is “an important weapon in the fight to slow COVID-19. It is probably easier to think about this as a ‘physical distancing.’ You want to reduce the opportunity of being close to other people. Keep a safe distance — 6 feet — when with others. When we look around the world to see what is working to defeat the virus, this is what we find.”
During his daily press conference Thursday, Gov. Mike Parson said a large number of cases have been in the 20-29 year-old age group.
“This shows that it doesn’t matter how old you are,” Parson said. “You’re still at risk. And we need everyone to take this seriously.”
“We will get through this together,” he added.
Butler County officials said Thursday during a daily meeting that area business and individuals are helping with providing medical professionals with additional supplies.
Butler County Emergency Management Agency Director Robbie Myers said there have been a lot of volunteers wanting to make masks. To help, collection sites will be set up for people wanting to donate masks. They can be dropped off at Jen’s Diner (6 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday) or Bread & Butter (10:30 a.m.-2 p.m.; 4:30-7:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday).
• Butler County Commissioner Dennis “Boots” LeGrand said the county offices are open for the public during the morning, but they are trying to do business over the phone.
• Dunklin County officials reported that there are three confirmed cases, the Delta Dunklin Democrat reported Thursday afternoon.
More coverage:
• Video conferencing being set up in Stoddard County courts
• MDC suspends requirement for fishing licenses
• Half-million infected worldwide
• 3.3 million seek US jobless aid
• If you don't laugh, you cry: Coping through humor
As of 3 p.m. Thursday, March 26:
US DEATHS: 994
Mo. Deaths: 8
Mo. Cases: 502
Butler County: 0
Stoddard: 1
Carter: 1
Ripley: 0
Wayne: 0
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