Editor's note: This is a daily briefing updating the latest information on the COVID-19 pandemic at 4 p.m. each day.
The Butler County Health Department announced a 19th positive test for COVID-19 on Wednesday afternoon while Dunklin County officials announced its first death in that county related to the coronavirus.
Butler County saw its fourth positive test in the last three days. Health officials said the number of recovered patients after positive tests remains at six with one still hospitalized.
Missouri saw an increase of 209 positive tests from Tuesday with 14 deaths, raising the total to 147 deaths and 4,985 total cases of the coronavirus.
Stoddard County saw an increase in total cases to 13 while Dunklin County grew to 18. Ripley and Carter counties each have three positive tests while Reynolds County has announced two total.
To help slow the spread of the virus, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released new recommendations for patients and health care providers on Wednesday.
Everyone entering a health care facility, regardless of symptoms, should wear a cloth face covering. The CDC had previously recommended everyone wear a cloth mask while in public.
Health care personnel should wear a facemask at all times, the CDC now recommends.
"Recent experience with outbreaks in nursing homes has reinforced that residents with COVID-19 frequently do not report typical symptoms such as fever or respiratory symptoms; some may not report any symptoms," the CDC said. "Unrecognized asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic infections likely contribute to transmission in these and other health case settings."
Wearing a cloth mask "might help reduce the risk of transmission" from both symptomatic and asymptomatic people, the CDC said.
Johnna Craft, director of risk management and facilities compliance officer for Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center, told Butler County officials during a daily briefing that the hospital is changing its processes.
"It will increase our need for additional resources," Craft said. "We're trying to secure some cloth masks."
Robbie Myers, Butler County Emergency Management Agency director, said 1,000 cloth masks are needed for front-line workers in the county. Those wanting to make masks can donate them without leaving their home by calling or texting 573-714-4197 and the masks will be picked up and distributed.
With shortages of personal protective equipment around the country, the CDC also gave recommendations for alternatives and strategies to optimize the supply of equipment.
The Poplar Bluff R-1 School District meals program reached a milestone Tuesday. Through 17 days of the program, the total number of meals served reached 102,818. The school district, Chartwells and the Boys and Girls Club of Butler County provide breakfast, lunch and dinner to students in the district.
Missouri schools will receive $208 million under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act to help respond to COVID-19 related needs, Gov. Mike Parson announced Wednesday.
The funds will be distributed through federal Title I allocations, meaning the schools working to meet the needs of "those who have traditionally been most disadvantaged" to help address the digital divide.
Also, the state will receive $54.6 million from the Governor's Emergency Education Relief authorized under the CARES Act to provide emergency support to K-12 schools, colleges and other education entities impacted by the virus.
The state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education received a federal waiver under the CARES Act that gives schools flexibility in using the federal money they already have to meet the needs of students and educators.
DESE is exploring summer school options, as well as what re-entering into our school buildings will look like.
"No specific recommendations at this point," DESE Commissioner Margie Vandeven said. "Certainly the safety of our children and teachers will be the first priority. There are many ways to implement social distancing and that will look different in schools across the state.
"But we do think some very clear guidelines will be helpful to the schools across the state."
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A look at stories you might have missed from the DAR:
• Coronavirus test collection center in Cape Girardeau to close • PB airport to benefit from CARES Act grant
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A look at three stories from the Associated Press:
• China didn't warn public of likely pandemic for six key days • US relief checks begin arriving as economic damage piles up • ONE GOOD THING: Nurse couple unites to fight virus Latest coverage from AP.
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As of 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 15:
US DEATHS: 24,429 Mo. Deaths: 147 (+14) Mo. Cases: 4,895 (+209)
Cases by area county: Butler County: 19 Carter: 3 (1 death) Dunklin: 18 (1 death) Stoddard: 13 Ripley: 3 Reynolds: 2 Wayne: 0 Perry: 38 Cape: 31 (1 death) Scott: 25 St. Francois: 22 (1 death) New Madrid: 8 Pemiscot: 11 Bollinger: 3 Madison: 1
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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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