Editor's note: This is a daily briefing updating the latest information on the COVID-19 pandemic at 4 p.m. each day.
Butler County officials are hopeful to speed up the testing process now that the county has seen a positive case of COVID-19.
During a daily meeting of county agencies, Emily Goodin of the Butler County Health Department said the individual that tested positive has already recovered after being quarantined for 14 days since the onset of symptoms of the coronavirus.
"We're all frustrated that testing is taking too long," said Robbie Myers, Butler County Emergency Management Agency director.
With the state and private labs being inundated with tests, results are taking anywhere from 1-2 days to weeks.
Myers said Gamma Labs of Poplar Bluff is working to become a process lab for tests. That could potentially lower the wait time for area patients waiting for results, he said.
Gamma is not, and would not, provide tests for the public, Myers stressed.
Anyone with symptoms should contact their health care provider by phone.
The Centers for Disease Control and Preventions says not everyone needs to be tested for COVID-19 and decisions about testing "are at the discretion of state and local health departments and individual clinicians."
Most people have mild illness and are able to recover at home and there is no treatment specifically approved for the virus, the CDC says.
During the daily briefing by Missouri Gov. Mike Parson, the Director of the state Department of Health and Senior Services Randall Williams said 16,000 tests have been given in Missouri, more than each of the eight surrounding states.
"We will see more tests come back positive," Williams said. "That helps us find where the virus is. It not only helps those people, individually, it also tells us where we need to concentrate (out efforts)."
The first positive test of COVID-19 in Missouri was announced on March 7. There are currently 1,327 cases in the state 24 days later.
Over the last 14 days, the number of cases in Missouri has jumped 8,746% and there have been 14 deaths. In just the last three days, the state has seen a 36.8% increase in the number of cases.
Parson and Williams stressed for everyone to follow the CDC guidelines.
"This is going to take awhile," Gov. Parson said. "The actions you take today will have an impact two or three weeks from now."
While patients are waiting for results, local hospital officials at the meeting say they are treating those individuals as "patients under investigation" or PUI, and taking precautions.
Goodin stressed the importance of social distancing and staying home.
Said Poplar Bluff Police Chief Danny Whiteley, "You can be part of the problem or part of the solution."
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources announced Tuesday that four state parks will close while modifications at the rest will take place starting at 5 p.m. Thursday.
Elephant Rocks, Castlewood, Watkins Woolen Mill and Weston Bend state parks will close while gates to individual parking lots may close at all state parks when the lot reaches capacity.
“We understand the importance of physical activity and getting outside during this unprecedented time,” said Mike Sutherland, director of DNR’s Division of State Parks in a statement. “However, we have to make changes to operations at some facilities, due to overcrowding, to ensure public safety.”
The new measurements further implement the latest recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“If a park looks full, then it is,” said Sutherland. “Whether you’re inside or outside, you must follow the guidance provided by the CDC and Governor Parson: Keep 6 feet between you and others, avoid crowded areas, wash your hands often, avoid touching your face, cover your mouth and nose with your elbow when you cough or sneeze, and, most importantly, stay home if you are sick.”
Click here for updates and latest information for state parks.
• Tammy Kassinger, Northside Nutrition Center administrator, said that 3,500 meals were delivered Tuesday to the county's senior residents. In the last week the number of meals delivered daily has grown by 100, she said. Butler County residents age 60 and over who qualify can call 573-686-2074 to be added. Volunteers are also calling to check on residents to see if they have any other needs.
• FCC Behavioral Health and Family Counseling Center reported delivering meals to 125 area children. Instead of having groups at its facility, they are being done by phone. The crisis hotline is still open at 800-356-5395.
A look at stories you might have missed from the DAR:
• Butler County resident test positive for COVID-19
• County will notify those who have 'close contact' with COVID-19 patients
• Area schools extend break.
A look at three stories from the Associated Press:
• US death toll from virus eclipses China's count
• Virus dead in nursing homes are often its uncounted victims
• Feed the soul: In chaotic times, gardening becomes therapy
Latest coverage from AP.
As of 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 31:
US DEATHS: 3,440
Mo. Deaths: 14
Mo. Cases: 1,327
Cases by area county:
Butler County: 1
Carter: 4
Stoddard: 3
Reynolds: 2
Ripley: 2
Wayne: 0
Cape: 15
Perry: 14
Dunklin: 5
St. Francois: 3
Pemiscot: 2
Scott: 6
Bollinger: 1
From the AP: For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death. The vast majority of people recover.
Here are the symptoms of the virus compared with the common flu.
One of the best ways to prevent spread of the virus is washing your hands with soap and water. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends first washing with warm or cold water and then lathering soap for 20 seconds to get it on the backs of hands, between fingers and under fingernails before rinsing off.
You should wash your phone, too. Here’s how.
The Missouri coronavirus information hotline is 877-435-8411.
Monday, March 30
Sunday, March 29
Saturday, March 28
Friday, March 27
Thursday, March 26
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