April 9, 2020

Editor's note: This is a daily briefing updating the latest information on the COVID-19 pandemic at 4 p.m. each day. WIth the announcement by Missouri Gov. Mike Parson that school buildings will remain closed for the remainder of the academic year, students will learning online...

Editor's note: This is a daily briefing updating the latest information on the COVID-19 pandemic at 4 p.m. each day.

WIth the announcement by Missouri Gov. Mike Parson that school buildings will remain closed for the remainder of the academic year, students will learning online.

Poplar Bluff R-1 students needing access to the internet can find free WiFi from the parking lot of area businesses. The Greater Poplar Bluff Area Chamber of Commerce asked its members for help and provided the district with an online map of locations.

Students are reminded to practice proper social distancing when utilizing a business' parking lot and to be respectful.

See the map here.

The Poplar Bluff Municipal Library also offers WiFi access from its parking lot while it remains closed.

School buildings can still be used to provide meals said Commissioner of Education Margie Vandeven during the governor's daily press conference in Jefferson City.

"This announcement brings with it a number of additional questions. What should districts do about summer school? What will the re-entry to school look like? How will this impact graduating seniors? What can be done to address broadband internet access issues in many areas of our state?" Vandeven said.

"Please know that our department is working quickly to address these and many other questions in conjunction with the Governor’s office, continuing our efforts to help local school leaders navigate this process…removing barriers, simplifying any processes that we can and waiving the necessary state statutes and regulations."

Area schools had recently extended a wellness break until the end of April. For the Poplar Bluff School District, that would have left just 14 days before the end of the academic year on May 21.

SHOWING APPRECIATION

Butler County EMS will host a Health Care Appreciation Night on Friday in the parking lot of Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center.

At 8 p.m. cars will turn on hazard lights to show the hospital employees appreciation. Participants are asked to stay in their vehicles and park in regulated spots in the parking lot, making sure not to block entry ways or emergency entrances.

Anyone wanting to join should arrive no later than 7:50 p.m. and should follow all social distancing guidelines.

ALSO

• The Red Cross reported a three-drive blood drive at the Black River Coliseum received 186 units of blood, double the organization's goal for each day.

• The meals program for Poplar Bluff R-1 students will be closed Friday in observance of Good Friday. Meals will be available at all regular locations and bus stops start again at 11 a.m. Monday.

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COVID COVERAGE:

A look at stories you might have missed from the DAR:

• Local doctors available during town hall call-in tonight • Reynolds County officials: New order not meant to 'trash' civil liberties • COVID-19 test collection center in Cape reducing hours starting Friday

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3 THINGS FROM THE AP:

A look at three stories from the Associated Press:

• A city under siege: 24 hours in the fight to save New York • 16.8M Americans thrown out of work as economic toll rises • Rural Indiana virus worry: 'What more could I have done?' Latest coverage from AP.

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LATEST NUMBERS

As of 2 p.m. Thursday, April 9:

US DEATHS: 15,938 Mo. Deaths: 77 (+19) Mo. Cases: 3,539 (+212)

Cases by area county: Butler County: 10 Carter: 3 (1 death) Dunklin: 10 Stoddard: 9 Reynolds: 2 Ripley: 2 Wayne: 0 Perry: 31 Cape: 24 (1 death) St. Francois: 20 Scott: 13 New Madrid: 6 Pemiscot: 4 Bollinger: 3 Madison: 1

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WHAT IS COVID-19?

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.

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PREVIOUS COVERAGE:

Wednesday, April 8 Tuesday, April 7 Monday, April 6 Sunday, April 5 Saturday, April 4 Friday, April 3 Thursday, April 2 Wednesday, April 1 Tuesday, March 31 Monday, March 30 Sunday, March 29 Saturday, March 28 Friday, March 27 Thursday, March 26

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