State COVID-19 deaths hit 34

Local officials learned Sunday afternoon that Missouri’s COVID-19 deaths now have reached 34, one day before the governor’s stay-at-home order goes into effect. They also provided information concerning how the order will impact workplaces Monday.

The total number of deaths is up from the earlier reported 24 deaths, said Johnna Craft, director of risk management and facilities compliance officer for Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center.

Health officials, Craft said, have been looking at the aggregate data.

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services is asking all health care facilities statewide to input data at 10 a.m. daily, Craft said. This will allow officials to keep track of the COVID-19 trends.

Craft said 150 of the state’s 154 hospitals are participating.

“We’re looking at admission rates throughout health care and see how beneficial the data is for each of us trying to manage a health care facility,” Craft said.

Butler County Emergency Management Agency Director Robbie Myers said everyone will keep watching those numbers.

“We need to brace for the coming week,” Myers said.

Craft agreed when Myers’ said Missouri is “no where near the peak” of the COVID-19 at this time.

Depending on what the data shows may “push some resources our way,” Myers said.

As the stay-at-home order goes into effect at 12:01 a.m. Monday, Myers said, state officials still were sending out different guidelines on Sunday.

As far any food-related business/restaurants, Myers said, they can continue to operate as long it’s by pickup or carry out.

“If they can operate with less than 10 people in one area and six feet apartment, if they meet that criteria they are good to go,” as long as it is not indoor dining or a bar, Myers said.

“Other businesses need to check if they are essential or non-essential businesses,” Myers explained. “If the business is on the non-essential list, they can apply for a waiver.

“I’m not seeing where that would come into play, what kind of business would need a waiver ... but we may see before the week is out.”

For those going to work, the grocery store or to see a health care provider, Myers said, no special identification is needed.

“It’s nothing like some make it out, there is no one checking credentials,” Myers said.

With that said, “people need to get where they need to be going, work, wherever they are heading,” Myers said. “They need to get there, get their business done and go home.”

That, Myers said, is the main thing being stressed by local officials at this time.

“If you can stay home, stay home,” Myers said. “If you have to get out, be as quick as possible ... until we can get on the other side of this.”

Myers expects more information to be released on Monday.

“I know the (Butler County) Health Department has got some reports to share tomorrow,” Myers said.

The Poplar Bluff Chamber of Commerce issued additional advice Sunday.

"For MOST businesses you CAN stay open and if you are employed by someone, most likely you WILL be allowed to go to work. I would encourage you to call your employer if you need clarification," Steve Halter, chamber president, said in the information.

“The order does not require all businesses statewide to close or cease operation," he said. “Workplaces that do not qualify as essential but can operate with fewer than 10 people and while maintaining social distancing may remain open. Workers onsite should take all necessary precautions to reduce the transmission of COVID-19.”

Halter also reported, “For workplaces that do not qualify as essential under the order or the federal guidance but believe that, in the interest of public health and safety, they should receive a waiver from the prohibition against social gatherings of 10 or more people, they may apply to the Department of Economic Development Director, through the Department’s website at https://ded.mo.gov/businesswaiver, for a waiver of that limitation.”